Former California Surgeon General Joins Senator Weber Pierson for San Diego Hearing on Children’s Health

(San Diego, CA) – State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D-San Diego), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Social Determinants of Health, will lead an informational hearing in San Diego exploring how social factors such as environment, education, and access to resources affect children’s health, wellbeing, and academic outcomes.

The hearing will feature expert testimony from nationally recognized leaders in health equity, mental health, and education policy, as well as youth and community advocates.

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: San Diego State University Alumni Center – 5250 55th Street, San Diego, CA 92182
Live Stream: https://www.senate.ca.gov

Featured Speakers Include:
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Former Surgeon General of California
Dr. Rodney Hood, Past President, National Medical Association; President and Chair, Multicultural Health Foundation
Dr. Vickie Mays, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Health Policy and Management; UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy
Dr. Sohil Sud, Director, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative
Maritza Garcia, Program Manager, Environmental Health Coalition
Dominique Donnette, Director of Government Affairs, EdVoice

The hearing will examine how social determinants of health contribute to inequities in children’s health and education. Testimonies and discussion will help inform state policy solutions to improve outcomes for California’s youth.

"The health and wellbeing of our children depend not only on medical care, but on the environments where they live, learn, and play. Together, we can create communities that give every child the chance to thrive,"said Senator Weber Pierson.

The hearing is open to the public and press. Interviews with Senator Weber Pierson and select speakers available upon request.

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Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. represents California's 39th Senate District, which includes portions of San Diego County, the cities of Coronado, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, as well as portions of the City of San Diego.