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PAGE 76 RELATIONSHIP BUILDING As noted, several of the topics and trends that emerged from the data collection processes are likely out of the sphere of influence of each City Human Services Commission and nonprofit partners. Nonetheless, the issues raised by community members are significant and require the formation of strong relationships with other decision-making entities. In particular, relationships should be built with Alameda County and selected organizations/ decision-making authorities to address youth challenges and social determinants of health. To ensure that the unique challenges of the Tri-Valley are understood and mitigated, it is imperative that working relationships between the three cities and Alameda County are strengthened. This is essential for securing a voice in county-level decision making- processes that directly affect the region. A robust relationship with Alameda County will also enhance the Tri-Valley’s ability to stay informed about and compete for various funding opportunities that can support the provision of human services. Youth. For many of the topics affecting youth, the following high-level recommendations should be shared with the school district and other decision- making entities. Further research is required to develop more appropriate and tailored solutions to meet the needs of young Tri-Valley residents. Safety. There is a need to ensure the physical and psychological safety of students, especially LGBTQ+ and ethnically and racially diverse individuals. Academics. The academic pressures experienced by students affect their mental health and wellbeing. Teachers could alleviate this pressure by establishing guidelines on the total number of hours to be spent on homework. Furthermore, students and parents should discuss academic workload and expectations to ensure undue pressure. Because parents’ expectations can be different than teachers, students must talk with their parents if they feel too much pressure is being put on them. Educational coursework and coaching could support communication between parents and students. Bathrooms. Many students said that school bathrooms were locked or only open during a very busy time, prompting students to drink less water and risk dehydration to avoid having to urinate. The root cause (i.e., substance use) might be partially addressed through substance use education services. In the meantime, a short-term solution to this problem is imperative. Social Determinants of Health. A number of social determinants of health including both those within and outside the direct scope of human services require relationships with other entities to identify and develop sustainable solutions. As mentioned, the Tri-Valley needs to build relationships with individuals from Alameda County. Additionally, given the strength of the faith-based organizations in the region and demonstrated effectiveness in their collaboration with nonprofit organizations, we recommend that these relationships continue to be fostered. Organizational relationships are needed to respond to mental health, transportation, and safety challenges. For mental health, this requires building relationships with first responders, emergency services, and others. For the many ways that transportation affects the lives of residents, people working to meet human service needs must build relationships with transportation authorities (e.g., LAVTA, BART, the CityServe VAST Program) and paratransit providers such as Wheels Dial-A-Ride and Pleasanton Rides. This is particularly important because transportation arose in the 2011 needs assessment, with no overarching suggestions about how to overcome challenges, particularly related to public transportation. In response to residents’ safety concerns, relationships must be built with all indicated entities. This includes the Alameda County Sheriff ’s Office, BART police, police and school resource officers in each of the three cities, and other first responders. For the Santa Rita Jail, this could include advancing the recommendation to coordinate release schedules that align with BART service times, and ensuring individuals who are recently released have ready access to other necessary services. This requires collaboration with the Alameda County Sheriff and EASTERN ALAMEDA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES NEEDS ASSESSMENTSS Page 134 of 554