Relative to Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Bonta and 11 co-sponsors

Designates May 4–8, 2026 and the first full week of May annually as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week to mobilize efforts addressing health disparities for Black Californians.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 79, Statutes of 2026.

#blackhealthequityadvocacyweek

1) Purpose and Intent

SCR 164 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizing a designated period as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

It designates May 4, 2026, to May 8, 2026, inclusive, and the first full week of May in subsequent years, as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

The measure also commends and acknowledges the efforts of the California Black Health Network and other organizations across the state working to improve health, well-being, and life expectancy for Black Californians.

2) Key Provisions and Changes (Substantive Provisions)

Formal Recognition: The Legislature recognizes a specific annual period (May 4–8, 2026, and the first full week of May thereafter) as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

Commendation: The resolution commends the California Black Health Network and other state organizations for their work to address health disparities affecting Black Californians.

Purpose of Week: The declared week is intended to bring together communities, organizations, and individuals to mobilize, strategize, and collaborate on strategies to dismantle structural barriers to Black health equity in California.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

Primary Beneficiaries: Black Californians, and communities affected by health inequities.

Organizations Involved: The California Black Health Network and other statewide organizations focused on health equity, racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice.

Government Role: Acknowledges and supports grassroots and organizational efforts to improve health outcomes; no new mandates or funding authorized, but formal recognition can influence public acknowledgement and related advocacy activities.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly and Senate Republican Legislative/Rules or appropriate committees; subsequent actions show movement toward third reading.

Timeline Highlight: For 2026, May 4–8 is designated as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, with annual recurrence during the first full week of May thereafter.

Transmission: The measure directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution.

Context and Rationale (Digest Highlights)

The bill notes health disparities in California affecting Black residents, including:

Lower life expectancy (e.g., Black Californians’ life expectancy around 76.2 years—5 years below the state average).
Higher mortality rates from several cancers and pregnancy-related complications.
Greater prevalence of prenatal depressive symptoms and psychosocial distress.
Economic and pandemic-related challenges disproportionately impacting Black communities.

The measure frames the week as a vehicle to raise awareness, mobilize efforts, and map a framework to advance Black health equity, aligning with broader goals of racial, social, and environmental justice.

Overall Assessment

SCR 164 is a symbolic, commemorative measure designed to elevate awareness and coordination around Black health equity in California. It does not propose new programs, funding, or regulatory changes but aims to recognize and encourage ongoing advocacy, collaboration, and policy focus during the designated week and beyond.

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