Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – September 2024

Posted on by

The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LOSS OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the tragic passing of a community member in Menlo Park last week. We recognize that this event may have deeply impacted many individuals such as families, friends, and the community. Many emotions may be evoked – heartache, sadness, confusion, grief, anger, or despair. We encourage everyone take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and the struggles that they may face.  As the Suicide Prevention Committee for San Mateo County, we recognize and are committed to fostering an environment of compassion, understanding, and support for those in need.

If you, or someone you care about is experiencing mental health distress or crisis, please reach out to Crisis Hotline at (650) 579 – 0350 or dial 988.

Resources are available, you are not alone and there is help available.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

  • Latest Updates
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming Regular Meeting: Tuesday, 09/03/2024 from 2pm-3pm
      In-person Meeting, Group Photo (2:30pm) & Distribution of Outreach Materials
      • San Mateo County Health, Building E, 310 Harbor Blvd, Belmont, CA 94002
    • Prior: 08/06/24 – Suicide Prevention Month Planning – Toolkit Review Suicide Prevention Resource Promotion

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

  • 09/10/24– Belmont Library, 3pm-6pm | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop
    • Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one.
    • In addition, youth-centered local organizations will be tabling with information and giveaways. Snacks will be provided.
  • 09/17/24– Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, 10am | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors
    • Join us during National Suicide Prevention month as we provide seniors with essential information and resources, to address mental health challenges and reduce the risk of suicide. Through an informative presentation, and tabling by community partners, participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.

NEWS

This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES

CRISIS RESOURCES

NON-CRISIS RESOURCES

  • BE SENSITIVE, BE BRAVE
    • This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.
  • MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
    • This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop. For more information, contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org

CALL TO ACTION!

We have the power to make a difference. By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create a world where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Here are ways you can help:

  • Actively participate in the next SPC meeting:
    • *IN-PERSON* Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, 2pm-3:00pm (Group photo at 2:30PM)
  • Invite Someone New!
    • Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization, community member to join the SPC mailing list.
  • Announcements?
    • Have an important commission meeting? Upcoming event you would like to highlight?

QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK? READY TO GET INVOLVED?
CONTACT US!

Martha Cervantes, LMFT #129448 (She/Her)
Director of StarVista Crisis Services
martha.cervantes@star-vista.org
(650) 208 – 3057

Sylvia Tang, MPP (She/Her)
Community Health Planner
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE)
stang@smcgov.org
(650) 208 – 5799

Walter Ng (He/Him)
Program Coordinator of StarVista Crisis Services
walter.ng@star-vista.org
(650) 722 – 7652

tagged with , ,