Comunidad Consciente
Our goal is to implement a culturally responsive opioid and stimulant use prevention education program and establish comprehensive referral pathways specifically designed for the Latine LGBTQ+ community in Fresno and the surrounding areas. Comunidad Consciente will address the intersection of substance use and HIV/STI risk in the local Latine LGBTQ+ population through bilingual/bicultural education, peer support, and harm reduction strategies while strengthening connections to treatment services.
Meet the Team
Our multidisciplinary team is composed of individuals who reflect the community they serve, ensuring that every aspect of the program is rooted in lived experience and professional excellence.
Program Coordinator - Comunidad Consciente
Alesia Andrade (She/They)
The Comunidad Consciente Program Coordinator Alesia Andrade (she/they) is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of State Opioid Response (SOR) outreach, education, and safety programs at Casita Feliz under the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). In this position, they will be organizing and hosting focus groups, developing educational materials, training community and organizational partners, conducting weekly outreach events, and creating a comprehensive community resource guide that spans from opioid-use related treatment centers, to HIV/STI testing sites, to gender affirming care resources and services.
Executive Director - Comunidad Consciente
Lady Diana Oliva, MSW (She/Ella)
Diana Feliz Oliva has worked in the field of LGBTQ+ social services and public health for over 30 years. A graduate of Columbia University with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2005, her particular interest has been advancing the development of public policy that addresses community-level health and social problems. Turning her daunting personal challenges and barriers into the very basis of her activism, Ms. Oliva has become an effective social advocate and role model. Her work is shown giving voice and visibility to not only the LGTBQ+ communities, but also to the multiple, overlapping communities her life has touched.
Office Coordinator
Damen Pardo (He/Him)
Damen Pardo graduated from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts where he trained in applied theater studies and non profit arts production. Over the last nearly two decades he has used his passion for the arts to bring, live, informative, arts productions and installations to the Central Coast, Los Angeles area, San Diego, Las Vegas, and most importantly his home of Fresno, California and the Greater Central Valley. Joining Casita Feliz, Damen is using his knowledge of arts and outreach to help build foundational structure for the Latine LGBTQ+ population and the queer community as a whole.
Program Components
This program doesn't just provide information; it builds bridges. By addressing both the community's needs and the system's barriers , we ensure that the Latine LGBTQ+ community in Fresno has a clear, safe path to wellness.
Conducting Outreach at Community Events
At our organization, we believe the power of community engagement. Over the past year, we have proudly hosted dozens of outreach events throughout Fresno County and its rural areas, including locations in Clovis, Madera, Parlier, and Chowchilla. These events have allowed us to provide essential resources to our community members while fostering meaningful connections that last a lifetime. Join us as we continue to make a difference in our community!
Developing Educational Materials
We have created educational materials designed to train peer educators, community providers, students of all ages, and community members in opioid education and naloxone distribution, while also addressing the intersections of sexual and gender identity, STIs, and HIV. Our goal is to center the needs and experiences of our community, ensuring they remain at the forefront as we develop these resources and educate others.
Training Peer Educators
To date, we have trained nearly ten peer educators in these areas—opioid education and naloxone distribution, sexual and gender identities, and STIs/HIV—so that when we engage with community members and allies, we do so with knowledge, cultural humility, and a strong commitment to inclusive, informed support.
Hosting Provider Trainings
We provide comprehensive professional development focusing on opioid education, naloxone distribution, and the nuances of intersectional, gender, and sexual identities. By partnering with school districts, county offices, and permanent supportive housing complexes, we deliver culturally rooted training sessions that empower local organizations to provide more inclusive care.
Developing and Maintaining Community Resource Guide
Built on community feedback, our resource guide serves as a central hub for health and stability. We streamline access to critical services ranging from gender-affirming care and HIV/STI testing to legal aid, food security, and mental health resources. By continuously updating these listings, we ensure our community has the support they need to thrive.
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Establishing Partnerships
By fostering active partnerships with local Departments of Public Health, Family Counseling Services, and specialized opioid treatment centers, we facilitate direct warm hand-offs for those in need. These alliances allow us to maintain a pulse on evolving community needs and provide the most up-to-date health and recovery resources.
Need Resources?
Check out the Casita Feliz Community Resource Guide.
Built on community feedback, our resource guide serves as a central hub for health and stability. We streamline access to critical services ranging from gender-affirming care and HIV/STI testing to legal aid, food security, and mental health resources. By continuously updating these listings, we ensure our community has the support they need to thrive.
Our Opioid Education Guides and Palm Cards provide clear, practical information to help people understand opioids, recognize overdoses, and respond with confidence.
Harm Reduction Resources Distributed in 2026
946
Naloxone (Narcan)
841
Fentanyl Test Strips
938
Condom Kits (Penile and Vaginal)
385
COVID tests and KN-95 Masks
as of July 1st, 2026
Our team creates educational flyers and infographics that communicate important public health information in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. These resources support community education, outreach, and awareness.
Healing Through Storytelling
This storytelling initiative sheds light on stories and experiences regarding people who have first- or second-hand experience with harm-reduction tools or substance use. The goal of this initiative is to assist others in navigating their own healing journey by de-stigmatizing conversations around substance use, recovery and mental health, while fostering empathy, education and community support. Through honest and personal narratives, the initiative aims to create a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to seek care, connection, and safer paths forward.
UPholdings Housing Management Team -
OEND Training
All participants found the entire session to be excellent and extremely valuable, appreciating all the information provided and learning how to save a life using Naloxone.
Alesia Andrade, Program Coordinator - Comunidad Consciente
"Comunidad Consciente is more than an opioid education initiative. It is a radical intersectional approach to addressing the most critical issues impacting our communities. Through this program, we will be able to meet the needs of our community and save countless lives along the way."
Crossroads Village Residents - OEND Workshops and Focus Groups
The training was perceived as entirely valuable and excellent, with several respondents appreciating the understandable material, the information provided, and the empathy shown.
Contact Us
Address
For more information about Comunidad Consciente
Hours of Operation
1567 N Van Ness Ave.
Frenso, CA 93728
Alesia Andrade (she/they)
Program Coordinator
Mon - Fri
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
CLOSED
Sunday
CLOSED