Annual CCAC Summit focuses on trust, equity and responsive care

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2026 CCAC Summit graphic featuring San Bernardino County Behavioral Health branding and performers representing cultural traditions. — *San Bernardino County Behavioral Health presents the sixth annual Cultural Competency Advisory Committee (CCAC) Summit on Oct. 27.*

The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department invites community members, behavioral health professionals, county and community partners to attend the sixth annual Cultural Competency Advisory Committee (CCAC) Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the IEHP Center in Rancho Cucamonga. The summit is free and open to the public.

This year’s theme, “Every Journey Matters: Building Trust, Advancing Equity, and Creating Culturally Responsive Pathways to Care, Recovery, and Hope,” will center conversations around the experiences of the diverse communities Behavioral Health serves. Through keynote presentations, lived-experience perspectives and community dialogue, attendees will explore how stronger relationships, greater understanding and culturally responsive approaches can help build pathways to behavioral health care that people trust.

The summit will feature keynote speaker Jonathan P. Higgins, Ed.D., educator and thought leader, presenting “Who Gets to Be Well? How We Build Trust at the Doorway to Care.” Dr. Higgins’ presentation will challenge attendees to consider how trust, belonging and access shape a person’s experience when seeking care.

Daniel Roman, lead community health worker with St. John’s Community Health – RISE Department, will present “Every Journey Matters: From Lived Experience to Restorative Care and Community Action.” His presentation will highlight the importance of lived experience in informing how systems engage, support and respond to communities.

Attendees will also hear directly from community members during the “Every Voice Matters” panel discussion, facilitated by Behavioral Health Deputy Director of Community, Engagement and Equity Services Maribel Gutierrez. Panelists James Bolden, Francisco Martinez, Lataunae Brooks and Lucia Aguilar will bring perspectives from reentry, harm reduction and community support services, as well as personal experiences of resilience.

The CCAC serves as an advisory group to Behavioral Health, bringing together community groups and department staff to help ensure diverse communities are represented in the planning, development and evaluation of behavioral health services.

Event details

Sixth annual Cultural Competency Advisory Committee Summit

Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

IEHP Center – 9500 Cleveland Ave., Rancho Cucamonga

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.

For questions about the summit, contact the Behavioral Health Office of Equity and Inclusion at 909-252-5150. Individuals requiring Americans with Disability accommodation or interpreter services are encouraged to contact the office as soon as possible, or at least five business days before the summit.

Additional County Update News – October 15, 2026