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Darryn Harris
Health Equity Champion | Former Congressional Chief of Staff | Lifelong Commitment to Social & Economic Justice
Darryn Harris is the Chief Government Affairs & Community Relations Officer at St. John's Community Health, a role he currently holds.25 He has a long and distinguished career in public service and community advocacy:
Professional Experience
Harris previously served as Chief of Staff for then-U.S. Representative Karen Bass, where he led a team working on a successful legislative agenda that impacted the lives of everyday Americans.1 In this role, he:
- Assisted over 100 residents return home after being stranded overseas during the pandemic
- Helped thousands of constituents with U.S. Postal Service issues
- Assisted small businesses in navigating the Paycheck Protection Program
- Worked with Black churches in South LA to increase civic engagement and voter turnout1
Prior to his role with Congresswoman Bass, Harris held several other positions:
- Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations at UCLA
- South Bay Field Deputy and District Director for then-Assemblymember Steven Bradford
- Field Deputy for the Office of then-Assembly Speaker Karen Bass1
Education and Affiliations
Harris holds degrees from:
- Loyola Marymount University
- UCLA1
He is also:
- A member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity
- A member of the New Leaders Council
- The founding president of the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats (BLAYD)1
Personal Background
Harris attended middle school in Carson and is a graduate of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School in Watts.1 He is committed to fighting for a sustainable future for all Californians and, if elected to public office, would be the first openly gay Black Senator in California state history.1
Current Role and Advocacy
As Chief Government Affairs & Community Relations Officer at St. John's Community Health, Harris is a strong advocate for community health and social justice.34 He has moderated panels on LGBTQ+ rights and emphasizes the importance of voting to make significant progress for the LGBTQ community.4
Highlights
As many of you know, I am thrilled about all the incredible work that we're doing at St. John's Community Health! As we kick-off Black Maternal Health Week, I'm excited to share my latest op-ed on Black maternal health (Read here: https://lnkd.in/d6uh-772)
Many individuals within the Black community carry deeply impactful narratives surrounding their experiences with childbirth – whether they’re mothers whose pain was dismissed in the delivery room, fathers who lost their wives during childbirth, individuals who witnessed their sisters unnecessarily suffer during labor, or neighbors who cared for someone experiencing postpartum PTSD.
Black maternal health extends far beyond the labor and delivery room. It is a critical issue that – if addressed effectively – will save lives, improve the wellness of families, strengthen communities, and overall lead to the transformation of healthcare in the United States.
It's crucial to make Black maternal health a policy priority and ensure solutions are led by Black moms. Let's collaborate to drive change! #BlackMaternalHealth #PolicyPriority #CommunityLeadership #StJohnsCommunityHealth
https://lnkd.in/d6uh-772
Exciting news! St. John's Community Health (SJCH) is expanding into San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and is on the lookout for an Associate Director of Government Affairs and Community Engagement to lead their Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Community Organizers in the new expansion areas. SJCH is a top healthcare provider in Los Angeles, and this is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic leader who's passionate about making a difference in the community. If this sounds like you, send me a message, and I'll be happy to share more information about the position and the company. Let's work together to help improve healthcare access and outcomes in our community! #healthcarejobs #communityhealth #leadership
