Health Linkages : Connecting through Community (CFRS)

Provides valuable support and guidance to people applying for Medi-Cal benefits within Santa Barbara County. The program focuses on offering in-person assistance, education, resources, and community outreach to ensure that eligible residents can successfully navigate the Medi-Cal application process and access essential healthcare coverage. Trained bilingual CFRS/Health Linkages staff liaise between Medi-Cal, trusted CBO partners, and community members. Further, CHW/Ps trained and certified by California Coverage & Health Initiatives (CCHI) in Medi-Cal re/enrollment serve as Health Access Assisters for the Hispanic/Latino population.

Led by Health Linkages Program Manager Alexis Desales, MPH, adesales@sbceo.org . 

Future Smiles: is Santa Barbara County's Local Oral Health Program, funded by Proposition 56. We coordinate school-based dental  screenings, fluoride application, and health education in partnership with community dentists and volunteers. We also work closely with families to follow up on oral  health needs and connect them to dentists and community resources.  Beyond schools, Future Smiles leads countywide efforts to improve children's oral health through collaboration, outreach and data reporting.

Led by Program Manager Jennyffer Rivera, MPH, jrivera@sbceo.org . 

Coordinates school-based mental health resources for students and families in a collaboration between SBCEO leadership and Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness (BWELL). Mental health professionals, Health Linkages navigators, and teams of dedicated staff from participating schools. Students and families receive trauma-informed assistance to navigate the complex process of accessing appropriate care for wellness. Our focus is on prevention and early intervention, education and reducing stigma and other barriers to receiving help for behavioral wellness issues.  

Led by:

• Health Linkages Program Manager Lisa Wolfe, LCSW, lwolfe@sbceo.org  
• BWELL Program Manager Brittany Nelson, PsyD, LMFT, bnelson@sbceo.org

Promotores Program and Santa Barbara County Promotores Network (SBCPN):  

Based on a strong, longstanding partnership with the SBCPN, we engage 75+ trained, trusted, bilingual Community Health Workers/Promotores (CHW/Ps) across Santa Barbara County who create and strengthen links between health, safety, social services, and education. SBCPN members understand and respect underserved, marginalized, immigrant communities and cultures. Health Linkages liaises between Promotores and organizations seeking to engage and assist these communities in a meaningful and respectful manner. With Health Linkages as the administrative backbone, CHW/Ps enhance systems to improve community awareness about health and social service issues impacting them. Upon identifying gaps in health and social services in Santa Barbara County, Health Linkages works alongside Promotores CHW/Ps to plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate research-informed and culturally relevant initiatives to address needs and share resources.

• Health Linkages Program Manager Namino Glantz, PhD, nglantz@sbceo.org 
• Program Associate Josefa Rios, jrios@sbceo.org    
• Program Associate Nancy Martinez, nmartinez@sbceo.org 
• Certified Community Health Worker/Promotores (CHW/Ps)