09/03/2026
Changemaker Spotlight
“If you are not in the data, you don’t exist.”
For Kelita Garner, those words underscore a critical challenge in the fight for Black health equity: How can our needs be addressed if our experiences aren’t even reflected in the data?
As Executive Director of Operations at Second Baptist Church and HEAAL (Health Equity for African Americans League), Kelita Garner is helping make sure Black communities in Orange County are not only seen and heard — but counted.
Working alongside community partners, HEAAL conducted the first statistically significant survey created by Black community leaders for Black people who live, work, and/or worship in Orange County.
The findings put data behind what the community already knew. Black residents identified critical needs, including culturally responsive mental health care, affordable healthcare and nutrition, affordable housing, and action to address discrimination within the healthcare system.
That data became a tool for something bigger: advocacy.
One of the bravest moments of her work came when she stood before the Orange County Board of Supervisors to advocate for a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis — while people opposed to that message shouted from the chamber.
“This is social justice work, and the church belongs in the forefront as a trusted voice who advocates for justice and equity.”
Her connection to CBHN grew from that same commitment. After seeing CBHN’s work in health equity and participating in webinars, joining the Black Health Network became an opportunity to connect local advocacy in Orange County to a larger statewide movement.
For 40 years, CBHN has worked to ensure that Black Californians are represented in the conversations, policies, research, and decisions that affect our health.
Explore CBHN’s 40-year Impact Report and meet more of the changemakers helping move Black health forward across California. https://yourcbhn.org/impact-report-2025/
