School-based health providers, educators, and advocates from across California gathered on April 28–29 for the 2025 Statewide School Health Conference, The Power of Partnerships. Hosted by the California School-Based Health Alliance (CSHA), the two-day event took place at the Hyatt Regency in Orange County and brought together a vibrant community dedicated to advancing health and education equity for California’s children and youth.

School-based health centers and wellness centers play a vital role in supporting students by increasing access to care where they learn. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for practitioners, educators, and advocates to come together, share strategies, and learn how to better support student well-being through school-centered health initiatives.

The event featured more than 30 engaging workshops on topics such as Instituting & Elevating Best Practices in School-Based Health, Adolescent Cannabis, Tobacco, & the Triangulum, and Skill Building for Effecting Change with Youth. Inspirational keynote speakers, breakout sessions on emerging school health trends, and ample networking opportunities created a dynamic space for professional growth and collaboration. After a full day of learning, participants enjoyed a fun-filled evening of bowling and games at Bowlero, courtesy of CSHA.

The L.A. Trust’s Senior Data and Research Analyst, Alex Zepeda, presented on Monday during the Instituting & Elevating Best Practices in School-Based Health workshop. She shared how The L.A. Trust identifies and spreads effective practices through the Data xChange, a database that offers insights into the connections between school-based health centers and student academic outcomes.

**Esther Yepez, presenting at the conference**

Esther Yepez, our Oral Health Senior Program Manager, took the stage at the Adolescent Cannabis, Tobacco, & the Triangulum: Current Trends, Resources, and Implementation workshop. Her presentation focused on implementing evidence-based curricula developed by Stanford’s REACH Lab, emphasizing how students are empowered to educate their peers through lunchtime table events and social media outreach.

Saun-Toy Trotter, LMFT, Clinical Director of School-Based Behavioral Health at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the importance of school-based partnerships in advancing equity and shared her commitment to evidence-based and culturally rooted practices that foster student well-being and liberation.

To close out the conference, Dr. Rose Anne Bomentre led participants in a joyful session filled with movement, laughter, and connection, leaving everyone energized and inspired by the shared commitment to student health.

The Power of Partnerships truly offered something for everyone passionate about delivering equitable, high-quality health care to students and families across California, regardless of income or background. Attendees found a conference that fostered a sense of unity, purpose, and renewed energy, whether they were new to school-based health or seasoned professionals. As the conference came to a close, participants left with actionable tools, new connections, and a shared vision for building healthier, more resilient school communities through the power of partnerships.

Strengthening school-based health across California

An inside look at school-based wellness in action