Research & Fieldwork

The San Diego Mental Health Network is grounded in independent community resource mapping. By analyzing the geographic distribution, transit access, and eligibility requirements of non-profits in San Diego County, our research identifies coverage gaps—particularly in rural and backcountry areas. We use these findings to guide our monthly distribution network and ensure support reaches the communities that need it most.

Resource Equity in the Backcountry: Healthcare Access and Mobility Solutions in Julian and Surrounding Communities

Summary:

This independent community case study evaluates health and social service access across rural, transit-isolated communities in backcountry San Diego County, focusing on Julian, Shelter Valley, and Ranchita. Through primary interviews with local nonprofit leaders and quantitative analysis of county transit and demographic data, this study maps the informal referral networks and mobility barriers affecting high-need populations, including elderly residents and veterans.  The findings reveal critical structural gaps in regional public transit—where once-weekly bus routes cost up to $349 per passenger in subsidies while offering minimal flexibility for daily healthcare or grocery needs. 

While digital telehealth and state Medi-Cal transportation benefits exist, their impact is severely limited by administrative complexity and strict appointment-only guidelines. Comparative analysis demonstrates that high-tech, app-based urban transit solutions (such as Mid-City GO) are unviable for backcountry topography and demographics. Instead, grass-roots models like the Let’s Go Borrego mileage-reimbursement system offer a scalable, cost-effective framework for restoring rural mobility and resource equity. 

Full report avaliable soon.