Long Beach City College students, employees, public health professionals, community organizations, and community members are invited to participate in the inaugural Racial & Public Health Equity Symposium.

Presented through a partnership among the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Racial and Health Equity Team, the LBCC Public Health Program, and the LBCC Public Health Scholars Program, the symposium will connect education, workforce development, community knowledge, and local public health practice.

Participants will explore how local health data can be transformed into learning, career pathways, and collective action toward a healthier and more equitable Long Beach.

Event Information

• Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
• Breakfast and check-in: 8:30 a.m.
• Symposium: 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Location: LBCC Liberal Arts Campus, J Building and E Quad
• Admission: Free and open to the community
• Click here for the event program

What to Expect

The symposium will provide opportunities to:

• Explore careers and educational pathways in public health
• Connect with public health professionals and community organizations
• Learn how local data are being used to understand and address health inequities
• Participate in breakout sessions led by public health and community specialists
• Attend a community resource fair and Community Health Needs Assessment data walk
• Enjoy free breakfast and lunch
• Experience live cultural performances
• Build connections with LBCC students, faculty, professionals, and community partners

Event Schedule

• 8:30 a.m. — Breakfast and Check-In
• 9:30 a.m. — Opening Plenary Session
  • The opening session will feature a performance by Danza Azteca and a panel discussion highlighting findings from Long Beach’s recent Community Health Needs Assessments.
• 11:15 a.m. — Lunch, Community Resource Fair, and Data Walk
  • Participants can connect with community organizations, explore available resources, and learn about health priorities identified through local Community Health Needs Assessments.
• 12:45 p.m. — Breakout Sessions
  • Participants may select one of the following sessions:
    • Data to Action: Advancing Equity in Communicable Disease Control and Prevention — Auditorium
    • Careers in Public Health: A Recommended Student Track — Room D119
    • Culturally Tailored Therapeutic Interventions for Mental Health — Room F110
    • Housing Navigation and Services — Room G213
    • Food Access and Food Justice — Room F101
• 2:00 p.m. — Closing Plenary Session
  • The closing session will include participant reflections and an Isang Bagsak unity clap.
• 3:00 p.m. — Event Concludes

Recommended Session for Students

Students interested in learning about public health careers are encouraged to attend the Careers in Public Health breakout session. Panelists will discuss lived experience, community-centered work, educational preparation, workforce opportunities, and different entry points into the public health field.

Learn More

• Event Program
• Visit longbeach.gov/RHET for additional information and the complete event program.