Cadisen and Carrezza leaders advocate for Latinx community health programs in San Francisco

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, featured a series of impactful discussions focused on health and wellness initiatives for the Latinx community. Several speakers from local organizations presented their programs aimed at addressing health disparities and promoting community well-being.

Gabriela Castellanos, the children's oral health coordinator at Cadisen, highlighted the urgent need for oral health education among Latinx families. She reported that 38 percent of Latinx kindergartners in San Francisco suffer from cavities, a stark contrast to just 12 percent of white children. Castellanos emphasized the importance of continued funding for their educational workshops and the provision of essential oral hygiene products, which help alleviate financial burdens for families.

Fiorella, a health promotion program coordinator at Carrezza, spoke about the organization's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Latinx families through early childhood education and wellness programs. She urged the committee to maintain funding for their initiatives, which advocate for healthier lifestyle choices and have shown positive impacts on family health decisions.

Marco, the policy coordinator for a health promotion program, discussed efforts to educate the community about the dangers of sugary drinks and promote tap water consumption. He also mentioned the training of community health workers to empower local residents and improve health outcomes. Marco requested continued support for their immigrant parent voting collaborative, which aims to increase civic engagement among limited English proficient parents.

Lastly, Maria Vialta shared her personal journey with Taras and SF, a program that supports at-risk youth. She recounted her transformation from a client to a staff member, highlighting the program's role in her education and career advancement. Vialta's testimony underscored the importance of funding youth programs that foster personal growth and community support.

The meeting underscored the critical need for sustained funding for health and wellness initiatives that serve the Latinx community in San Francisco, emphasizing the positive impact these programs have on families and individuals. The speakers collectively called for continued support to ensure these vital services remain available.