Monthly Archives: August 2015

Serenity House-Crisis Stabilization and Respite Center

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After much preliminary discussions and meetings with community stakeholders I am pleased to announce that today we have officially started planning for the renovation of the building on the corner of Hacienda Ave. and 37th on the Health System Campus into a crisis residential/respite center. Working with HGA inc., the Department of Public Works, and Healthrite 360 I am hopeful that we will open Serenity House within the next twelve months.

The overarching goals of Serenity House are to provide a safe and welcoming environment for adults experiencing a crisis, provide assessment, treatment and recovery supports in order to re-stabilize the individuals situation, and facilitate their return to their home and community.

Currently a major gap in our crisis response system is the lack of an alternative to psychiatric emergency services or jail for adults experiencing a significant crisis due in part to their mental health status. Serenity House will go a long way towards filling that gap. As planned the center will house a maximum of 10 adults with an anticipated length of stay of 10 days. The program will combine clinical services provided by a psychiatrist and case managers as well as peer oriented services and supports by employing consumers and family members. All staff will have competency in addressing both mental health and substance use issues. In addition to attending the needs of the individual in crisis, Serenity House will also offer education and support to family members.

As our progress continues we will update this posting. Stay tuned!!!

Tackling the Challenges of Minority Mental Health

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Mental health within minority communities is a sensitive issue that needs addressing. In a report from the Surgeon General in 2001, these issues were highlighted while exploring the problems of biases, stereotypes and racism within the healthcare system. The report also emphasized the benefits of shared historical experiences and culture.

At NAMI’s 2015 National Convention in San Francisco, Dr. Jei Africa, Director of BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity examined the question, “What do we know right now?”  See more at: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2015/Tackling-the-Challenges-of-Minority-Mental-Health#sthash.5Qfsvjx5.dpuf

 

Diversity and Equity Council Discuss Issues Related to Immigration

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To increase awareness of recent immigration policy shifts and trends, the Diversity and Equity Council (DEC) hosted Alison Kamhi of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center during the recent monthly meeting in July 2015. The presentation focused on the topic of unaccompanied minors as well as proposed policy expansions that would allow many more in our community to be able to work legally.

The increase in numbers of unaccompanied minors was striking to the group as the number has increased from average of 6,775 unaccompanied children detained per year in 2003-2011 to over 57,000 detained in 2014. The group explored challenges of reaching out to and providing services to these children who have often been traumatized prior and during their journeys to the U.S. Read more

Rehab Centers to Get Lifeline?

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The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will vote tomorrow on whether to provide $1 million in interim support to residential substance abuse treatment providers struggling to stay afloat while waiting for a more comprehensive solution.  Many local nonprofits like Our Common Ground and Project 90 are on the brink of needing to cut beds and sell facilities as funding dwindles while awaiting word on a Medi-Cal waiver application for clinics with more than 16 beds.  Read the full story in the Daily Journal.

County to set aside money for housing: $1 million remaining in Measure A funds to spend on programs, projects

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The Board of Supervisors will decide Tuesday, August 4, how best to spend the remaining $1 million in Measure A funds set aside for affordable housing programs and projects. See what the Board is considering funding as well as current housing projects funded under Measure A in the Daily Journal article.

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