Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

On March 28, 2025, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity and Equity, had the honor of partnering with Ayudando Latinos a Sonar (ALAS) and Voices of Recovery to host the San Mateo County Cesar Chavez Event. The event celebrated Cesar Chavez’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of people of color, ensuring they have the dignity and fairness to earn, live, and work.

Inspired by Chavez’s legacy, this event aimed to advance equity by enhancing access to community services, especially behavioral health and recovery services, for the Latine community and other marginalized groups. The event also sought to inspire participants to continue Chavez’s work and efforts for equity under this year’s theme: “Building Solidarity and Creating Change / Construyendo solidaridad y creando cambio.”

This year’s event was an act of love, gratitude, and respect for our San Mateo County farm workers, who work tirelessly in all conditions to support our communities. The program featured impactful presentations, including remarks from Sandra Sension, ALAS Farmworker and Essential Worker Program Director; Supervisor Ray Mueller; the ALAS Mental Health Team; Dr. Tia Bell, BHRS Health Equity Coordinator; and others, who emphasized the profound impact of our farmworkers and expressed our deep gratitude for their dedication.

Approximately 250 participants enjoyed live music, visited behavioral health resource tables, learned about our BHRS Health Ambassador Program, and savored a delicious meal provided by Fattoria E Mare, Half Moon Bay.

Written by Dr Maria Lorente Foresti, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Director