In times of polarization, how can we foster meaningful connections and psychological safety? Dr. Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at UC Davis Health, shares trauma-informed strategies to help communities engage in deeper, more compassionate conversations. With his expertise as a clinical professor of psychiatry, Dr. Ton’s guidance is essential as we strive to create environments where all voices are heard and respected.

The next book project title is Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society, by Arline T. Geronimus, a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. It is part of this year’s theme, health equity and justice, and will guide discussions, lectures and other events, culminating in a campus visit by the author on March 5.

Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, a thought leader in reducing health disparities and building strong communities, was recently appointed to the National Advisory Council of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

This news release can be found on the California Healthline website.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed bold steps to ensure more Californians have health coverage, but a new report underscores that his success may depend in part on large-scale investments to expand the state’s health care workforce.