Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

On January 27^th, the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) had their annual retreat focused on setting goals for 2024, getting to know one another, and reviewing highlights from 2023. They identified increased participation in community collaborations, launching of various innovation projects, and identifying barriers for older adult populations using crisis respite as some of their accomplishments in 2023. The retreat was held at College of San Mateo and was facilitated by Sylvia Tang, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity. 

The retreat included a presentation on Brown Act Training from Gina Beltramo, Lead Deputy County Attorney, a 2023 Accomplishments Gallery Walk, and a Mental Health Green Ribbon Art Installation.  

BHC goals to be prioritized for 2024 include:  

• Learn about drug and alcohol misuse treatment 
• Site visits and inspections 
• Continue supporting wellness literacy public training of mental health  

The Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) is committed to the involvement of diverse 
communities, key stakeholder organizations and individuals and family members with lived experience-especially those who rely on the public mental health system and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services – in the design and evaluation of San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS). The BHC continues to support San Mateo County’s local BHRS efforts to balance program accountability and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations with a continuing focus on quality and innovation. Finally, the BHC supports our behavioral health system’s core values of recovery/resilience/wellness and cultural competence through all of its activities. 

The BHC currently has six client seats open on the Behavioral Health Commission. We are looking for individuals with lived experience to become members and give the client voice and experience to the commission.  If you are interested, please complete the client/family member application and submit to Chantae Rochester at crochester@smcgov.org.  Questions, contact Chantae Rochester at 650.573.2544. 

Visit SMCHealth.org/Behavioral-Health-Commission to learn more about their work.