The 16th annual Cultural Competence Mental Health Summit in mid-November will bring together hundreds of professionals and community members to address the impact of culture and language on health disparities in California.

The summit, whose theme is “Embracing Social Justice and Equity to Build Healthier Communities,” is sponsored by San Mateo County on behalf of the California Mental Health Directors Association and the California Institute of Mental Health. The event is Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame.

The conference workshops are designed to support and promote dialogue and strategies for addressing health disparities and building healthier communities.  

“The wisdom and involvement of cultural communities is essential in improving access, service quality and outcomes” said Louise Rogers, San Mateo County behavioral health and recovery services director.

The conference includes keynote speakers Dolores Huerta, community organizer and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and Adewale Troutman, MD, MPH, MA, director of Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.