The Fresno Department of Public Health is engaging residents in dialogue and deliberation around public health needs in Southeast Metropolitan Fresno, a majority Hispanic, mostly low income community. Department of Public Health staff are engaging elementary school parents in identifying areas most in need of improvement, especially related to the safety of students. As a result of parents bringing their concerns forward in these meetings, concrete steps have been taken such as lines being painted in crosswalks, a speeding sign going up, and a new shelter was installed at the bus stop.

“We are mediating between the residents and the city staff to help them get what they need,” says health educator Rose Marie Amaral. County department of public health staff conducted meetings and walk assessments in Spanish so that residents with limited or no English skills could participate, and county staff members helped residents present their consensus recommendations to the Fresno City Council.

To learn more about county health department related public engagement in Fresno County, contact Health Educator Rose Marie Amaral, ramaral@co-fresno.ca.us.