SAN DIEGO, CA – (May 15, 2026) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its second Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year on Friday, May 15, 2026, bringing together more than 350 community members for a conversation on mental health and resilience across our communities. The event marked the second gathering in a year-long celebration of Spirit of the Barrio’s 40th anniversary.
The event opened with a powerful performance by TranscenDANCE, as three youth artists blended spoken word and movement in a dynamic display that captivated the audience and set an inspiring tone for the afternoon.
The luncheon featured a panel of local leaders and experts that focused on how trauma, stress and systemic inequities affect mental health, and how culturally responsive, community-based care can support healing, prevention and long-term wellness.
The discussion highlighted integrated, whole-person approaches to care and explored ways to expand access to mental health services for children, families and communities across San Diego.
Panelists also emphasized the importance of trauma-informed care, highlighting how a simple but powerful shift in perspective can foster trust, dignity and more effective support for patients.
The conversation was moderated by Heidi de Marco, health reporter for KPBS. Panelists included:
- Myrian Solis Coronel, Program Officer, Prebys Foundation
- Kyra Seay, VP, Community Relations & Business Development, California Coast Credit Union
- Keith Lyons, LCSW, Mental Health Manager, El Cerrito Family Counseling Center, FHCSD
Lyons emphasized the importance of using a trauma-informed approach to care.
“If you want to be trauma-informed starting right now, when we see our clients, we need to make sure we are asking ‘what happened to you’ rather than ‘what is wrong with you.'”
Meredith Johnston, vice president of development at FHCSD, served as master of ceremonies.
“The Spirit of the Barrio luncheon on mental health was deeply inspiring — bringing together dedicated leaders and community champions committed to advancing access to compassionate, equitable care,” Johnston said. “The candor, courage and collective leadership on display created a powerful sense of connection and underscored what is possible when we come together in support of mental health.”
FHCSD recognized community organizations and businesses that helped make the luncheon possible, including Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Whiting-Turner, Community Health Group, JLL, Image One, EDCO, the Port of San Diego, Blue Shield of California Promise, RadNet and Scripps Health.
FHCSD looks forward to continuing to foster dialogue, connection and community impact across San Diego throughout its 40th year of Spirit of the Barrio luncheons.
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About Spirit of the Barrio
Since 1986, the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon has helped raise awareness of Family Health Centers of San Diego’s mission to deliver high-quality health care to underserved communities across the region. The event features a variety of timely topics and a diverse lineup of guest speakers, offering attendees the opportunity to be informed, educated and entertained — all while enjoying FHCSD’s signature tamales.
About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
