Health Reform – focus on the implementation of the Affordable Care Law with an emphasis on associated bills and regulations that impact African Americans.

Black Infant Health – monitoring of legislation addressing this issue; developing communications strategies that bring critical awareness to the data and the issue as it is impacting African American communities. Black Infant Health is of dire concern to the African American community and CBHN intends to take the lead on efforts to eliminate the disparities that exist relative to this issue.

Mental Wellness – A disproportionate share of African Americans are affected by mental health issues in California. CBHN will engage in monitoring legislative issues on mental health with an emphasis on the impact to our communities; California Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) has requested CBHN host a series of webinars around the impact of mental health to the African American community.

Boys and Men of Color – there is a huge effort underway by the Endowment and by legislators on issues affecting the health and well-being of boys and men of color. The California Endowment recently provided funding to CBHN to actively participate in policy work that may result in solutions to issues surrounding the health wellness of African American boys and men.

Prevention/Wellness – is the current focus of health policy. Prevention and wellness will permeate be the base from which CBHN will work to address each of the other issues on our policy agenda. An issue of primary concern to African American communities, CBHN will approach each policy issue with a strategic focus on prevention and wellness. CBHN legislative efforts will include working with those legislators addressing this component of the Affordable Care Law, providing, additional information and insights, and feedback as it becomes necessary.