Advocating for Behavioral Health at State & County Levels
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center is proud to recognize Dr. Jessica Apfel, Director of Behavioral Health Services, for being selected for two influential leadership roles in 2026 that will help shape the future of behavioral health at both the state and county levels.
Dr. Apfel has been named Co-Chair of the California Primary Care Association’s (CPCA) Behavioral Health Peer Network under the Clinical Taskforce. In this role, she will help guide statewide conversations among community health centers, support peer-to-peer learning, and collaborate with CPCA leadership to set priorities that strengthen behavioral health services across California.
In addition, Dr. Apfel has been selected to serve on the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department’s Budget Stakeholder Advisory Committee (BSAC). The committee plays a critical role in advising on budget priorities, financial planning strategies, and long-term solutions that support a more sustainable and effective behavioral health system within the county.
Through these roles, Dr. Apfel brings the voice and experience of TVHC directly into key decision-making spaces. Her leadership helps ensure that policies, funding strategies, and system improvements reflect the realities of community health centers and the needs of the patients and communities we serve.
Dr. Apfel shared that she hopes these roles will provide valuable insight and strengthen her ability to advocate for patients, providers, and community-based care at both the county and state levels.
We are grateful for Dr. Apfel’s continued dedication to advancing behavioral health and for representing TVHC beyond our clinics. Her work directly supports our mission to improve health outcomes, advance equity, and ensure access to high-quality, integrated care for all.