Class 38 Health & Human Services Day

Class 39's Health & Human Services Day centered on the theme of "Meeting Basic Needs," engaging participants for a full day of immersive learning about the critical social and health challenges facing the region. The day wove together expert panels on homelessness and vulnerable populations, a deep dive into the local healthcare system, hands-on volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank, and tours of nonprofit service organizations — all designed to give emerging community leaders a ground-level understanding of how Santa Cruz County addresses food insecurity, housing instability, immigration issues, maternal and child health, and access to medical care for its most at-risk residents.

"We are meeting with health and human providers at a moment of crisis. Food insecurity is skyrocketing, health systems (especially Watsonville Hospital) are vulnerable, Head Start and childcare is being cut, and ICE enforcement is terrifying community members and impacting the local economy," said Executive Director Ryan Coonerty.

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