INTRODUCTION:
the brazilian unified health system was established by the federal constitution of 1988 and is one of the largest public health systems in the world, guaranteeing universal, comprehensive, and free access to the population¹,². it is organized through a hierarchical network across three levels of care, with primary health care as the main entry point³. governance is based on decentralization, shared management among federal, state, and municipal levels, and social participation. local health councils are strategic spaces for promoting popular participation, community empowerment, and strengthening care practices⁴,⁵.

METHODS:
this qualitative, descriptive study is an experience report from the perspective of a family and community physician. the analysis focuses on actions of the local health council of the higino gomes conceição family health unit, in pumba, a rural area of cruz das almas, bahia, brazil⁶. the study draws on black feminist activism, social justice scholarship, and the concept of escrevivência, which recognizes lived experience as a legitimate form of knowledge production⁷,⁸.

RESULTS:
the council organizes regular meetings to support work processes, identify social vulnerabilities, implement territorial interventions, and manage access to social programs such as bolsa família⁹. additional activities include strengthening continuing and popular education, promoting intersectoral initiatives on social determinants of health, and conducting income-generation workshops for vulnerable populations. policies such as social and racial quotas in education and the program for the restructuring and expansion of federal universities (reuni) have reinforced access to social rights and health equity¹⁰,¹¹.

CONCLUSIONS:
this experience highlights the importance of local health councils in planning actions responsive to territorial needs, strengthening community-service bonds, and improving primary health care practices. such participation contributes to promoting equity, reducing social inequalities in health, and empowering communities in rural territories.