Our next MHSA Steering Committee meeting is on Thursday, December 5th. Please note that this is a hybrid meeting. For those who want to join in person, we will be meeting at the San Mateo Library (55 W 3rd Ave in San Mateo). The Zoom link is included below if you prefer to join virtually and the phone line for those conferencing in.
Meeting flyer is attached. The latest information for MHSA can always be found on the MHSA website, http://www.smchealth.org/MHSA, under the “Announcements” tab.
Proposed Agenda:
Announcements:
MHSA Program Outcomes Workgroup
BHSA (Prop 1) Transition Next Steps
San Mateo County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
Meeting Details:
San Mateo Library, Laurel Room, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo
Over 180 attendees joined Samoan Solutions and Pacific Islander Initiative in celebrating their 14th Annual 5K Turkey Trot this past weekend! Held on Saturday, 11/16/24, the event brought the community together to run the Turkey Trot to promote physical activity and wellness during the holiday season. In addition to the 5K run/walk, the event offered a variety of physical and behavioral health resources including Naloxone boxes for opioid prevention, Pacific Islander suicide prevention resources, an on-site chiropractor, free Hep B testing, and more! Since it’s inception this event has served as a space where participants can connect with health and social services, as well as Pasifika businesses, and the community.
The Turkey Trot featured several categories, including adult, youth, and team groupings where winners were awarded a $20 gift card. The event provided a fun and inclusive atmosphere, warmly welcoming participants of all ages – even their four-legged family members.
The Pacific Islander Initiative co-hosted the event and shared a variety of Pacific Islander focused resources including Pacific Islander suicide prevention cards, Know Your Rights cards in Tongan, and Pacific Islander Initiative brochures.
Thank you to those who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!
To learn more about our Health Equity Initiative, visit here. To learn more about our Pacific Islander Initiative, visit here.
The Kapwa Cultural Center (KKC), an important cultural resource to the Filipinx community, opened on October 25th, 2024, in Daly City. This space is dedicated to cultural connection, healing, and community engagement. KKC is funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation funds and supported by San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), the Filipino Mental Health Initiative (FMHI) and Daly City Partnership. Together, these programs are committed to promoting behavioral health wellness, cultural awareness, and social inclusivity through this innovative new space.
Rooted in the Filipinx value of kapwa, which means “shared self” or “interconnectedness with others,” KKC aims to foster a strong sense of community, solidarity, and mutual care. KKC will serve as a dynamic cultural hub where community members can gather, learn, and celebrate Filipinx and diverse cultural traditions with a focus on wellness and healing. It will also open its social enterprise arm next year. With a boba milk tea menu inspired by Filipinx cuisine and flavors, as well as a space designed for events, art, and discussion, the Kapwa Cultural Center offers a warm and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds can come together to exchange stories, ideas, support, and healing.
In addition to its role as a cultural space, KKC will be a dedicated venue for culturally focused behavioral health events, wellness workshops, art exhibits, and community discussions. Through these activities, KKC supports the well-being of individuals and strengthens cultural pride while addressing issues of stigma and barriers to mental health services. BHRS is proud to support the space and support the expertise in culturally responsive behavioral health practices and infusing these important components to KKC’s programming, creating a space that honors and centers Filipinx voices while welcoming diverse communities.
The space will also host a variety of community-led events, including cultural performances, storytelling nights, cooking classes, and wellness activities such as healing circles, all aimed at fostering cultural pride, cross-generational connections, and unity. With its commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting well-being, the Kapwa Cultural Center stands as a powerful example of how community, culture, and behavioral health can come together to create a more inclusive, compassionate society. It is not just a café but a vital resource for behavioral health, cultural connection, and shared identity that will serve as a vibrant gathering place for all.
For more information, please contact kapwasoul@gmail.com
The Latino/a/x Collaborative (LC) at Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) held its 11th annual Sana, Sana, Colita de Rana event on October 26 at the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula in Redwood City, with around 80 attendees. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together“, celebrated Latine leaders who have shaped American society and inspired future generations.
In the spirit of resilience and healing, the event provided a wealth of resources designed to support the well-being of the community. Health screenings, STI/HIV testing, vaccines and educational materials were available to ensure that individuals had access to essential services. A grief presentation by Kara offered valuable support for navigating loss, while Zumba dance therapy and free art activities provided an opportunity for self-expression, movement and joy—crucial elements of healing.
The day’s highlight was a powerful keynote speech by Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), who inspired attendees with her dedication to empowering the Latine community. We were also honored to have Board of Supervisor Noelia Corzo and Mexican Consulate General Ana Luisa Vallejo Barba join us in celebrating the strength and resilience of the Latine community.
The event honored Latine leaders in San Mateo County who model the values of BHRS, advocating for diversity and equity. BHRS Health Ambassadors and peer support workers were recognized for their vital role in promoting health equity, guiding the community through healthcare systems and advocating for marginalized individuals.
Despite challenges like language barriers, economic disparities and systemic inequities, the Latino community has shown remarkable resilience. Moving forward, collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, local leaders and families is key to fostering health and wellness and dismantling access barriers.
In closing, the Latino community is a pioneer of change, building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Let us continue to celebrate our cultural heritage while working towards a healthier tomorrow.
The Waves of Wellness: Family Function event was held on Saturday, November 2 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in San Bruno. This gathering was an opportunity to connect the Pacific Islander community, nurture health and celebrate the rich cultural heritage. With around 60 attendees, the event was a vibrant and joyful reflection of the power of unity and collective well-being.
In the spirit of health and healing, the event offered a range of resources designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Community members had access to free flu shots, Hepatitis B testing and health screenings provided by the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Xtreme Hip Hop session with Rock brought energy and fun to the day, while passport support services and additional resources aimed to empower attendees with the tools they need to thrive.
More than 10 community organizations were present, offering a variety of health-related and culturally relevant resources. Notably, the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Pacific Islander Initiative (PII) and Samoan Solutions provided important information and support to attendees. These tables were a vital part of fostering a deeper connection within the community, offering healing services and raising awareness about critical health issues.
This event also highlighted the importance of cultural celebration and solidarity within the Pacific Islander community. It was an opportunity not only to share resources but also to honor the traditions and strength of the community. The day’s success was a reminder that when we come together—whether in celebration, support, or healing—we create lasting bonds and build a foundation for collective wellness.
The Waves of Wellness: Family Function event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Health Right 360/Asian American Recovery Services, Essence of Mana, the Wolverine Rugby Club, the San Francisco Environment Department and the San Francisco Hep B Free-Bay Area Organization. Their partnership, alongside the dedication of all involved, ensured that the event was a meaningful, impactful experience for all who attended.
I hope this email finds you all well. I am super excited to share with you an upcoming event that CORA’s LGBTQ+ Program and the San Mateo County PrideCenter are collaborating on. Please share with your teams and within your circles as you see fit. I hope to see some of you there! All ages are welcome.
Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd from 6 – 7:30 pm for our Queering the Season: Mental Health Tools for Holiday Peace Workshop here at CORA in the Carelle Training Room (2205 Palm Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403). Are you concerned about preparing for and navigating the stress of the upcoming holidays? Are you hoping to generate a list of personalized coping tools for yourself to utilize during the holiday season and beyond? Join us for our upcoming holiday coping tool workshop to learn more about taking care of our internal and external being! We will take the time to create a list of our own coping tools and comforts and make bracelets/keychains as a token to remember. This event is created specifically for LGBTQIA+ identifying folks.
San Mateo County is recognizing this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance with a flag-raising and speakers on Wednesday, November 13, from 9:00-9:30am. Supervisor Pine will be sharing remarks as well as Venus Itzuri Perez-Hernandez from Mariposa Outreach. The flag-raising is open to everyone and will be in the County Courtyard at 500 County Center Redwood City.
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