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Central Region Community Updates
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Announcements & News Stories |
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 Community Action Partnership (CAP) Community Needs Assessment Follow-up Presentation
Please join us to learn about the regional results and insights from the 2024 CAP Needs Assessment Survey and Community Dialogues!
Click here to join.
For more information, please see the flyer.
Discover how the County budget serves you – attend an Informational Open House April 17
Discover how the County’s budget serves you and your community. Attend an informational Open House at 5:00 PM on April 17 at the County Operations Center Chambers.
You can find out what the County does, how the budget is built and learn about the many services that help you and neighbors. You can also ask questions and find out how to get involved in the budget process.
Staff members are working on the budget now to present a balanced recommended budget to the Board of Supervisors on May 1. The 2025-26 budget will go into effect on July 1.
The Open House will run until 7:00 PM. Be sure to bring the kids! They can meet some adoptable animals, visit a live hawk, see County emergency vehicles up close, check out a Probation K9 demonstration and more.
Click here to watch an informational video!
View the Spanish flyer here.
 County Kicks Off 41st Annual Blood Drive
One in seven people hospitalized need blood and blood banks supplying those hospitals often face shortages.
To help meet the community’s critical need for donations, the County of San Diego has hosted an annual springtime blood drive for the past 41 years, impacting more than 60,000 lives.
The month-long event kicked off Tuesday outside the downtown County Administration Center with the San Diego Blood Bank’s mobile donation center as a backdrop.
Click here to read the full article.
Equity Summit Save the Date
The County of San Diego, in collaboration with the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, City of San Diego, and RISE San Diego, is hosting an Equity Summit: “Threads of Change: Unraveling Barriers, Weaving Community, and Bridging our Future.” The Equity Summit will be held on Friday, April 25, from 10 PM - 3 PM, at the Balboa Park Club, in the ballroom (2150 Pan American W Rd, San Diego, CA 92101).
This half-day of connection and reflection invites those working to create more just and caring communities to engage in meaningful conversations that move us toward collective action and well-being. This event is for community builders, changemakers, and those committed to co-creating a more inclusive and thriving San Diego County—and for all who care deeply about the future of our region.
Threads of Change is a collaborative space designed to nourish your spirit, spark new ideas, and strengthen the relationships that carry this work forward. Highlights of the day will include a resource fair, panel discussions, group discussion, and breakout sessions. We invite you to pause, connect, and imagine what’s possible—because the work of care and justice is better when we do it together.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. This event is FREE to attend. Please keep an eye out for the registration link, which will be shared soon on the social media accounts of the County’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice.
 2025 NAMIWalks Community Wellness Expo Kicks Off May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Matters Month (MIMHMM) is just around the corner, and BHS and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego have partnered to host the Community Wellness Expo. The Wellness Expo will be kicking off MIMHMM and will offer mental health-related resources, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations, advocates, and community members dedicated to mental wellness. The Expo will feature nearly 100 exhibitors with a combination of community organizations, providers, and County departments to provide mental health-related resources along with fun and interactive activities and promotional materials for all to enjoy. Mental Health Matters Month provides an opportunity for everyone to come together to illuminate mental health awareness and end the stigma, which is crucial in encouraging people to seek the assistance they need.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming MIMHMM events and materials by visiting the It’s Up to Us website here.
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NEW! Sheriff for the Day
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NEW! Free Cancer Screening Event and Health Fair
Cancer screenings save lives by detecting cancer early, when it is easier to treat and when chances of survival are highest. Join Sharp HealthCare, in partnership with La Maestra Community Health Center, at an upcoming health fair to see if you qualify for a free cancer screening. Criteria for eligibility is listed on the flyer.
WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Health Sciences High and Middle College | 3910 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
View the Spanish flyer here.
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Fern Street Circus Spring 2025 Neighborhood Tour
Join Fern Street Circus for their Spring 2025 Neighborhood Tour Birthday Bash! Celebrate with live music from Mariachi Victor of San Diego, an exciting show, and a community resource fair. Don't miss out on this fun-filled event for the whole family!
WHEN: Various dates starting Saturday, April 12 | Event starts at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Various locations across San Diego County
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NEW! Grama Blue's House Inc 4th Annual Community BBQ
Enjoy a FREE BBQ with music, activities, resources, vendors, and lots of fun! Vegan options available.
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park | 4455 Wightman St, San Diego CA 92105
For more info: contact mary.blue@gramablueshouse.org
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NEW! Celebrate Día de Los Niños y Libros Book Giveaway!
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and creativity. Enjoy a free book giveaway featuring brand-new books for kids, live music workshops, crafts, and the chance to connect with local community partners. Share a meal with us and so much more – all while supplies last! This is a free event, registration recommended!
WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHERE: Valencia Park / Malcolm X Library | 5148 Market St, San Diego, CA 92114
To register, click here!
View the English and Spanish flyer here.
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NEW! Leah's Pantry Trauma-Informed Nutrition Security Training
This training explores the connection between nourishment and both positive and adverse experiences, emphasizing a trauma informed approach to community-based work. Participants will learn key principles of trauma-informed care, reflect on their relationship with food, and consider strategies for responding to challenging interactions.
WHEN:
Session 1: Monday, June 9, 2025, | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Session 2: Monday, August 11, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom
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Join Grandma Lulu for a Free Meal - Grandma LuLu’s Table is available to provide free plant-based meals in San Diego Communities. Would you like to host them to provide the plant-based meals and wellness program? Grandma LuLu's Table celebrates healthy eating with a star ingredient in every meal! This month, we’re featuring a “star ingredient”, packed with flavor and health benefits. Contact at: info@grandmalulustable.org or www.grandmalulustable.org.
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Grupo Esperanza - A monthly, FREE well-being group for cancer patients and their families, conducted in Spanish and led by Dr. Sara Fainstein, a breast cancer survivor. It’s a supportive space to connect, share experiences, and improve well-being together. Support groups take place the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 12pm-2pm at the Mission Hills - Hillcrest/Knox Branch Library and via Zoom.
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Urban Surf 4 Kids Hanai Mentoring Program - Urban Surf 4 Kids is accepting applications for volunteers and youth participants in the 2025 Hanai Mentoring Program. Join one of six groups in San Diego County. Urban Surf 4 Kids is now accepting applications at US4K.org.
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Urban Leaders Go - A career focused program designed to serve high-risk youth ages 15-18. Services include support navigation, alternatives to violence workshops, educational enhancements, mentoring, leadership development, and paid internships.
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NEW! Me2We Scholarship: This scholarship celebrates students who serve their community and have shifted from living a me-centered life to a we-centered life. Applicants must be looking to continue post-secondary education at a university, college, or trade school, and reside in the United States. Me2We Scholarship Application 2025
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Applications are due May 23, 2025.
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EPA Thriving Communities Grant Program - The International Community Foundation (ICF) and its partners are launching the EPA Thriving Communities Grant Program, which will provide $48 million in funding to support disadvantaged communities addressing critical environmental and health issues. ICF will distribute grants ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 to eligible nonprofits, local governments, grassroots organizations, and communities in San Diego, Orange, and Imperial counties.
- Rolling Application Review: Submit early
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All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant - Grants are available to qualifying families with kids in grades K-12 and not-for-profit community-based recreational sports organizations in low-income areas on a need and first-come, first served basis as funds are available. Find out more information here!
- Rolling Application Review: Submit 30 days prior to the sport program registration deadline
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Humanities for All Quick Grants - This program responds to the needs and interests of Californians, encourages greater public participation in humanities programming, particularly by new and/or underserved audiences. Applications are open year-round.
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Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, subject to availability of funding
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NEW! Medi-Cal Transformation Services
The County of San Diego (County), Medical Care Services department is excited to announce an opportunity to contract with the County to conduct in-person(s) and virtual community engagement sessions to raise awareness of Medi-Cal Transformation Enhanced Care Management and Community Support services. Please review the Request for Quote (RFQ) 1480 Lots – [which span all 5 districts]- linked below to learn more about this opportunity to provide community engagement, empowerment, and education to increase utilization of Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports in San Diego County.
Questions are due by 5:00 PM on April 10, 2025
Eligibility for Enhanced Care Management:
Click here to view the flyer! Spanish flyer here!
Eligibility for Community Supports:
Click here to view the flyer! Spanish flyer here!
Transportation for Medi-Cal Members:
Click here to view the flyer! Spanish flyer here!
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Fathers First Program
The Fathers First Program offers several options for fathers to be at no cost. These programs are available for fathers to focus on parenting techniques, relationship skills, and creating stronger bonds with your child.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to enroll!
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Black Infant Health Program
The San Diego County Black Infant Health Program (BIH) is a FREE supportive service for pregnant women and new mothers who are at least 16 years of age and self-identify as Black or African American. BIH aims to improve health among eligible mothers and babies by empowering pregnant and mothering, Black/African American moms to make healthier choices for a brighter future. BIH accepts participants at any stage of pregnancy and up to 6 months post-partum, regardless of income.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to learn more.
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Care Connect by Vista Hill Clinic
Vista Hill is a community-based, dynamic non-profit organization. Vista Hill maintains a diverse array of quality services and programs throughout San Diego County, assisting underserved, challenged children, teens, adults, and families. Their three areas of focus are intellectual & developmental disabilities, substance use disorder, and mental illness.
View the Spanish flyer here.
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Thank you!
Please forward to colleagues, staff, partners, and community members as you see fit. New subscribers can sign up here. If you have any questions on the content of this newsletter or have a San Diego County community event you would like to share with us, please email HHSA.communities@sdcounty.ca.gov.
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