The first-ever Live Well San Diego Advance brought together over 700 recognized partners and stakeholders to collaborate and celebrate six years of healthy, safe and thriving communities in San Diego. The Advance engaged representatives from each sector, from business to education and community organizations, to network, learn about new tools and best practices, and participate in engaging breakout sessions. Program sessions included: Healthy, Safe, and Thriving Kids; Engaging Business and Leveraging Human Capital; Growing Resilience in Our Communities to Heal Trauma; and Data and Technology for Action & Results.

It was an inspiring day filled with positive energy from beginning to end as individuals came together to bring collective impact to life. Event emcee, Kimberly Hunt with ABC 10 News San Diego, engaged the crowd with updates and recommendations of positive actions in support of shared goals. And the House of Metamorphosis Choir along with Gill Sotu kicked off the event and set the tone for an uplifting day. 

San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ron Roberts officially opened the event with highlights of Live Well San Diego over the years, followed by keynote speaker, President and CEO of 2-1-1 San Diego, John Ohanian, who provided a unique perspective on collective impact and how it relates, humorously, to Star Trek. 

In the spirit of collective impact, a Recognized Partner panel comprised of leaders from organizations in every sector shared their experience as Live Well San Diego partners and how organizations can work together toward a united purpose. Panelists included: Teresa Blanco, Wellness Manager, Northgate Gonzalez Markets; Stan Sewitch, Vice President, WD-40; Francisco Escobedo, Superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District; Jim Floros, President and CEO, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank; Brett Ward, Executive Producer, Real Talk San Diego Radio; and Rachelle Rene, PhD, BCB, HSM, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, San Ysidro Health Center. 

Kicking off the afternoon sessions, the San Diego State University Dance Squad performed a high energy routine to get the crowd up and moving. As part of their performance, the dance squad taught the audience a short dance segment to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” The activity kept attendees energized and smiling on their way to the afternoon sessions. 

Learn more about each of the afternoon breakout sessions below:

• Program A focused on Healthy, Safe and Thriving Kids with speakers from all sectors
• Program B consisted of a speaker panel and roundtable discussion about Engaging Business and Leveraging Human Capital
• Program C  featured a screening of the film "Resilience - The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope" followed by a panel of speakers discussing how to Grow Resilience in our Communities to Heal Trauma
• Program D focused on Technology and Data for Results and Action with speakers from various organizations that use data to improve care systems and enhance reporting

Overall, the Live Well San Diego Advance set the tone for another year, working together, to create positive change in the lives of all 3.3 million San Diego County residents. 

For photos and videos from the event, visit the @LiveWellSDVision Facebook Album and @LiveWell_SD Twitter page.

For updates and program information, visit LiveWellSD.org/advance.