Monthly Archives: January 2026

BHRS Director’s Newsletter – February 2026

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Please see the latest issue of the Director’s Newsletter from BHRS Director, Dr. Jei Africa! 

Topics include:  

  • Overdose Prevention Coalition Launches Naloxone Program, Expands Free Access in County
  • Senate Bill 43 Launches, CARE Court Expands in San Mateo County
  • Transformation Journey Update
  • Upcoming Events and More News

Find past issues here. Visit the BHRS website. 

Draft BHSA 3-Yr Integrated Plan coming out soon

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Hello BHSA Taskforce and community members,

We are pleased to announce that the draft Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Three Year Integrated Plan (IP) for fiscal years 2026-2029 will be presented at the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) on Wednesday, February 4th. The draft IP will be available for review and public comment for a minimum of 30 days through Friday, March 6th, 2026. Community members are encouraged to read and submit feedback on the draft IP, as follows:

Additionally, community members are welcome to attend the BHC meeting on February 4th to hear the presentation on the draft plan. You may attend in-person or via Zoom. Meeting information is provided below, as well as some quick tips for how to give public comment at a public meeting:

Behavioral Health Commission
Wednesday, February 4th 3:30-5:30pm
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Room 201, San Mateo, CA 94403
Zoom link: https://smcgov.zoom.us/j/94275521280?pwd=ZnRUTDFSMGI5VVVPTkdiS3NaZW9MQT09
Passcode: 457259

Quick Tips – How to Give Public Comment at a public meeting

Chinese Health Initiative Co-Chair Inducted Into San Mateo County 2026 Women’s Hall of Fame

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News header-blue gradient   Jan. 15, 2026 For Immediate Release Five Leaders, One Honor: San Mateo County Names 2026 Women’s Hall of Fame Class   Redwood City – Raised by her immigrant mother, Alyson Suzuki learned early how difficult it can be for families to navigate schools and social services when information is not available in their own language or cultural context. Through years of supporting her family and later working in education and social services, she saw firsthand how those barriers can hold families back and limit opportunity. That experience shaped her commitment to changing how systems serve communities. Today, she leads efforts across San Mateo County to strengthen language access and build durable support systems for Asian families and other underserved communities. Suzuki’s efforts will be celebrated on March 6, when she is honored alongside four other inductees in the 2026 class of the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame. The other honorees include leaders whose work has unfolded in city halls, community organizations and classrooms, as well as two high school students whose initiatives reflect the next generation of civic leadership. They are Andrea Jones, whose career centers on advancing the well-being of children and families; Terry Nagel, a community leader, former mayor and tireless volunteer in Burlingame; and two high school seniors, Danika Gonzalez Johnston of Half Moon Bay High and Amani Shroff of Carlmont High. Read More   Want to read more articles? View our Newsroom   Connect with us! facebooktwitterlinkedininstagramyoutubenextdoor   CEO-Comms logo                                         smc_news@smcgov.org

2/21- 2026 Black History Month Educational Experience

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Mark your calendars! African American Community Initiative (AACI) is hosting their 2026 Black History Month celebration! This year’s event will be an educational experience: a tour of the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City. 

Registration is required for this event. See more info below. 

Date: Sat, 2/21/26
Time: 12:00PM- 3:00PM PST
Location: Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center (890 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City)
Contact: Dee Pennix at AACIInitiative@gmail.com

Media Notice: 

This event will have photography and videography. Your entrance into the event area constitutes your full consent to being filmed and photographed by the County of San Mateo. The County of San Mateo reserves the right to use any photography or film taken in the event area
without providing compensation to you. Such use by County may include, but is not limited to, postings to social media or websites, and/or use in promotional or informational materials in any medium.

You agree to release and discharge the County of San Mateo, its agents, representatives, assigns, and licensees from all claims, demands, and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the use of your likeness.

Alternatively, if you wish to participate/attend the event, but do not wish to have your photograph used in accordance with the above notice, please contact an Event Organizer. 

Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026BHM

About AACI:

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.
 
Learn more about their work here.