Commitment to Cultural Diversity
Health equity is achieved when everyone has the opportunity to live a healthier life, no matter who we are, where we live, or how much money we make. And while we can’t currently ensure that everyone will be healthy, we can change the physical conditions in which people live, learn, work and play, one community at a time. These conditions are called the Social Determinants of Health, and by improving these conditions we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and improve their quality of life. Recognizing that the root causes of health disparities must be addressed in order to achieve lasting change, the Ventura County Behavioral Health, Office of Health Equity (OHE) was established to assist the department to promote health and well-being for the most vulnerable in our community. A priority for this office is the direct input and perspectives shared by multiple community stakeholders, including consumers and their families, community-based organizations and local governmental agencies. OHE strives to ensure that community voices are heard, and that important improvements are incorporated into programs and policies designed to reduce health disparities. See our Social Determinants of Health website VCBH Cultural Competence Plan 2018-2021 VCBH Cultural Competence Plan Update 2023-2024
