The California Black Health Network launched in 1978 when structural health disparities affecting Black Californians were not yet a mainstream policy conversation. Four decades later, the organization's new Impact Report documents both how far it has traveled and how much further the work extends.
The report, released this month to coincide with National Nonprofit Day, chronicles CBHN's evolution from a grassroots response to systemic exclusion into a statewide force connecting communities to health coverage, developing equity-focused leaders and amplifying Black Californian voices in health policy conversations that historically excluded them.
"For four decades, CBHN has worked alongside our communities to address health disparities, expand access to information and resources, amplify the voices of Black Californians, and help people become more informed and empowered advocates for their health," said Rhonda M. Smith, CBHN's executive director. "This Impact Report gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, but it also reminds us that our work is far from done."
CBHN's approach centers community education and empowerment rather than top-down intervention. The organization builds cross-sector partnerships, recognizing that health outcomes are determined not only by health systems but also by housing, employment, environmental conditions and access to information. It prioritizes leadership development of Black Californians to ensure solutions reflect community expertise.
The Impact Report highlights several initiatives, including efforts connecting individuals and families to health coverage, community network-strengthening and partnerships across nonprofit, public health and private sectors.
Despite four decades of dedicated work, Black Californians continue to experience measurably worse health outcomes across numerous indicators including maternal mortality, chronic disease burden, life expectancy and access to preventive care. The persistence of these disparities underscores that organizational excellence is necessary but insufficient without systemic policy change.
Possible policy reforms include Medicaid expansion and streamlined enrollment processes, healthcare workforce diversification initiatives to increase Black representation among physicians and health system leadership, and community benefits agreements that make health equity a binding requirement for hospitals receiving public funding.
"It is about people. It is about community. And it is about what becomes possible when we work together toward a shared vision for better health for our community," Smith said. "As we celebrate this milestone, we are also inviting people across California to join us in building the next chapter of CBHN's impact."
In the coming weeks, CBHN plans to highlight specific programs, partnerships and change-makers while inviting broader participation in its mission.
