Nine New BHRS Health Ambassadors Dedicated to Supporting our Communities
On September 2, 2015 San Mateo County (SMC) Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) with the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) was proud to introduce our 9 newest BHRS Health Ambassadors to the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission. The Health Ambassador Program (HAP) was created to: increase community awareness of services available in San Mateo County and help connect individuals to appropriate care and support; reduce the stigma around mental health & substance use issues; improve our communities ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and/or substance use issues and implement social change; foster community support and involvement in BHRS’ vision to improve services; assist communities in practicing prevention and early intervention, leading to healthier and stronger families. To become a BHRS Health Ambassador individuals must complete the ODE Parent Project® and 4 additional ODE community education courses (www.smchealth.org/bhrs/communityed).
Top Row from left to right: Zena Tarasena, Marta Ceron, Franzmarie Lippincott, Steve Kaplan (BHRS Director), Pedro Estrada, Yolanda Ramirez, Mylene Rodriguez
Sitting from left to right: Maria Ines Alfaro Garcia, Marcelina Hernandez, Amada Espinoza, Lourdes Briseno (Highlighted names are our newest HAP recipients)
We are proud of these 9 special individuals who have given their time and energy to increasing their knowledge and worked to support our common goal of helping those with mental health and substance abuse issues.
For further information on BHRS ODE Parent Project classes please contact Maggie Furey at c_mfurey@smcgov.org and for information on BHRS ODE Health Ambassador Program please contact Maria Lorente-Foresti at MLorente-Foresti@smcgov.org.
The Health Ambassador Program is supported by SMC BHRS, ODE & is funded by the voter approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).
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