Dec 05, 2024
Health Institute Brings in Record Number of Head Start Health Staff to Newport Beach Event
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2024 Health Institute, held from November 13-15 in beautiful Newport Beach! With over 280 attendees, this year’s event set a new HSC record and proved to be an incredible success. Feedback from our 152 survey respondents highlighted this achievement, with an impressive 97.3% rating the conference as either “good” or “excellent.” One participant shared, “I really enjoyed connecting with other people, especially from outside of my region,” reflecting the strong sense of community and collaboration fostered at the event.
The conference featured over 35 sessions across six tracks, covering essential topics such as safety, dental screenings, trauma-responsive practices, and nutrition. Attendees appreciated the breadth of information and the opportunity to exchange ideas. One participant remarked, “I loved learning how other programs implement health policies. Plus, the keynote speakers were amazing!”
Dr. Diana Ramos, California’s Surgeon General, opened the conference with a powerful talk on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which resonated deeply with attendees. Many expressed their appreciation for hearing directly from a prominent state health leader. The luncheon keynote by Cynthia Yao, Region 9 Program Director, provided valuable updates from the Office of Head Start, enriching the experience with timely information. The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Tunette Powell, who emphasized healing communities through a racial justice lens. One attendee noted, “It was a powerful reminder for how we can help break racism in the system and heal our communities.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our planning committee and health cluster representatives for their hard work in making this event possible. To relive the highlights, you can view more photos on our Facebook page. Mark your calendars for next year’s Health Institute, taking place November 3-5, 2025, at the Hayes Mansion in San Jose. We look forward to seeing you there!
