The Healthcare Equity Advisory Council (HEAC) is an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of health equity within the community of Ventura County. Comprising dedicated community and Health Care Agency staff members, each appointed to serve two or three-year terms, HEAC is committed to promoting positive change in healthcare service delivery for historically underserved populations.

Purpose

HEAC’s primary focus is to advocate for and evaluate the equitable provision of healthcare services, addressing disparities in the allocation of resources, and examining personnel practices within the healthcare system.  Through convening a working group of healthcare subject matter experts and community stakeholders, it is the mission of HEAC to identify gaps and recommend strategies for improvement where deficiencies are identified. HEAC’s formation is a direct result of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ forward-thinking resolution passed on November 10, 2020 that declared racism as a public health crisis and signified a steadfast commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity across various facets of the County of Ventura. HEAC embodies this commitment by actively engaging with the healthcare sector to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape for all residents of Ventura County.

HEAC Charter: Healthcare Equity Advisory Council Charter

Have public comments or questions for HEAC? Contact staff at heaccouncil@ventura.org

Membership

Meetings 

Regular meetings are open to the public from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm in the Large Conference Room, VC Public Health Administration 2240 E Gonzales Rd., Suite 200, Oxnard, CA 93036 and will be held on the following days/times:

• February 17, 2026
• April 21, 2026
• August 18, 2026
• October 20, 2026
• November 17, 2026