Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center
At the UC Davis Health Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center, we are dedicated to fostering a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all. Our virtual center serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, offering a range of healing circles, resources, events and initiatives designed to confront the legacy of racial injustice and build bridges toward a brighter future. Learn more about our center, programs, partners, news & events and how to volunteer as a circle keeper.
Our Mission
At the TRHT Center, our mission is to facilitate meaningful conversations, promote understanding, and drive positive change by addressing the deep-seated racial disparities that persist in our communities. Through education, dialogue, and action, we aim to create a society where everyone, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, can thrive and contribute to the collective well-being. Our partnerships with the King Center Beloved Community and Healing-Center Education forward principles in nonviolent communication while advancing justice and human rights in healthcare. We do this through centering health equity, truth-telling frameworks, and transformative leadership while emulating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, striving that:
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of community.—
Our History
Due to societal challenges of exclusion based upon race, sex, gender, abilities, and other inequities in population health, we developed our first healing circles in 2017 with the Attitudinal Healing Framework from Oakland, California, to improve solidarity through community building. Our work continued through the COVID-19 pandemic to address racial reckonings and provide space to cope with impacts associated with patient activation and the social determinants of health.
In 2021, UC Davis Health joined national campuses to adopt the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Center Framework through the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The TRHT Center at UC Davis Health is grounded in relationship building, collective community health, a transdisciplinary approach to healing, and truth-telling that seeks liberatory practices for all patients, faculty, staff, students, and community members. These principles provide an anchor point to strive towards transformative means for health equity and a beloved society.
Our vision is a world where racial healing and transformation are not just ideals but everyday realities. We envision a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, and where the legacy of racial injustice is acknowledged and rectified. To achieve this vision, we offer opportunities, events and initiatives that draw us closer to a world that dismantles the hierarchy of human value.
Our Programming
Restorative Healing Practices: Through our healing circles, we offer a space for individuals and community members to heal from the wounds of racial trauma. Each circle is facilitated in collaboration by our TRHT staff and volunteers to provide a restorative space for processing, reconciliation and healing. Fill out the Collaborate With Us form to learn more about how you can host a healing circle or advance internal diversity training and education at UC Davis Health.
Education and Training: Our core mission at an academic institution is educating and training throughout the institution and with our community. Our many workshops, seminars, and online courses empower individuals and organizations to confront bias, discrimination, and prejudice. In conjunction, we also provide circle keeper training to support facilitation and the life-long learning process for continually being in relation with cultures and communities, supporting the mission of the center. In our Growing as a Community series, we provide comprehensive educational opportunities and resources designed to increase awareness, empathy, and cultural competency around truth-telling, anti-racism and transformative leadership.
Community Engagement: Our work furthers truth-telling through the relationship building across UC Davis Health for our employees, clinicians, students and patients.Our work furthers truth-telling through the relationship building across UC Davis Health for our employees, clinicians, students and patients. These efforts demonstrate the commitment with programs like the Anchor Institution Mission (AIM) to advance health equity while addressing disparities within UC Davis Health and the surrounding community. Partnerships with Chill Sacramento uplift patient-centric services and support through efforts like the MIND Institute Peace Pole. The brightly colored, 9-foot-tall Peace Pole, hand-painted by people of all ages throughout the MIND Institute community advocates for our commitment to developing a system of regional care for all.
At the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Center, we recognize that our mission to promote racial healing, equity, and understanding cannot be accomplished alone. It is through the collaboration and support of dedicated partners that we are able to make a lasting impact on communities across the nation. We are proud to showcase some of our esteemed partners that are integral to the continued success of our TRHT Center.
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU)
The AACU is a leading national association dedicated to advancing the quality of undergraduate education and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Their commitment to fostering inclusive campuses with Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Centers have been a valuable aligns perfectly with our mission at TRHT Centers.
National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE)
The NCHE plays a vital role in advancing health equity in the United States by actively supporting and empowering community health centers across the country. Founded on the principles of justice, equity, and inclusivity, NCHE is dedicated to dismantling systemic health disparities and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to high-quality healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic background, race, or ethnicity.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a philanthropic organization known for its steadfast commitment to promoting racial equity and social justice. One of its notable initiatives is the TRHT effort. The Kellogg Foundation has been a significant supporter of TRHT centers across the United States. Through generous grants, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, the foundation has played a pivotal role in advancing the TRHT movement.
The Center for ArtEsteem
The Center for ArtEsteem on Attitudinal Healing is a remarkable organization dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of art and creative expression for healing and personal growth. Founded on the principles of Attitudinal Healing, which emphasizes the importance of shifting one's perceptions and attitudes to foster emotional well-being, the center offers a unique and innovative approach to mental and emotional health.
The King Center
The King Center is a beacon of hope and a living testament to the transformative power of love, equality, and justice. At the heart of our mission lies the concept of the Beloved Community, a vision Dr. King cherished. It's a dream of a world where all people, regardless of their background, stand united in love and mutual respect, working together to eradicate poverty, racism, and violence. Through educational programs, exhibits, and community engagement, we strive to keep this dream alive and help build a more compassionate society. "Be Love" is more than just a phrase; it's a call to action. Dr. King believed that love could conquer hate, that it could bridge divides and heal wounds.
Chill Sacramento
Chill Sacramento is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of Sacramento's youth through accessible and engaging mindfulness and stress-reduction programs. With a focus on fostering resilience and emotional intelligence, Chill Sacramento empowers young people to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and self-awareness.
Quick Links
Welcome to the TRHT hub for the latest events. Here, you'll find a rich tapestry of activities, discussions, and updates that are shaping the conversation on racial justice and transformation. We believe in the power of knowledge, dialogue, and community engagement to bring about meaningful change. Our events reflect our unwavering commitment to truth, racial healing, and transformation. Discover a diverse range of thought-provoking panel discussions and educational workshops to community-building initiatives and cultural celebrations. Join us as we create spaces for open dialogue and healing conversations.
Contact Us
Our Team
Mercedes Piedra, M.S.
Director of Multicultural Education
Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rangineh Azimzadeh Tehrani, M.A., C.P.F.
Founder of Solh Resolutions
Lia Lopez
Prep Medico Program Coordinator
Victoria Rondan
Growing as a Community Program Coordinator
TRHT News
Mental Health Awareness Month and Beyond
Our efforts at the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are expanding with the recent steps to establish the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center as part of our programming at UC Davis Health.
Towards a Healing Centered Organization
In recent years, our world has faced a series of challenging events that have contributed globally to increased anxiety and depression within individuals and communities.
Advancing Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion blog
The Office of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion uplifts stories from TRHT and more through the Advancing Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion blog. Read more about our articles and the latest news by visiting the blog page.