Author Archives: Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

Smoking and Mental Health: Why Is It Harder for People with Mental Illness to Quit Smoking?

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Recent research shows that one-half of all premature deaths of people who live with serious mental illnesses are caused by 19 diseases directly connected to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the general U.S. population, smoking rates over the past 50 years have dropped substantially—to about 18 percent. We have no similar improvement in the population of people living with mental illness; the rate of smoking for those with serious mental illnesses is 53 percent. This rate is higher than the smoking rate was in the general population in 1964, when the Surgeon General first warned of health harms associated with smoking. This is a public health crisis in our community, yet we also know that people are not getting the support they need to help them quit.  Read the full story on the NAMI website.

Request for Letters of Interest for Narcotic Replacement Therapy Services

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Deadline for Letters of Interest is December 12, 2014.  See the BHRS Request for Proposals page for details.

2015 Enrollment Period for Covered California Now Open

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Do you have health coverage?  The Health System estimates that more than 30,000 County residents still need affordable health coverage and may qualify for financial help.  Enroll now to begin coverage on January 1, 2015.

If you already have coverage, be aware of the deadlines to renew or change existing Covered California health insurance.

Important Deadlines:

  • December 15, 2014 – enrollment deadline to begin coverage on January 1, 2015
  • December 15, 2014– deadline to renew or change existing Covered California health insurance to maintain continuous coverage, and to avoid paying a tax penalty.
  • February 15, 2015 – deadline to enroll in Covered California health coverage in 2015, and to apply for financial assistance.

Visit www.CoveredCA.com to enroll. Local in-person assistance is available by calling 650-616-2002 or 800-223-8383, and at locations across the County. See the list of enrollment locations and times as well as the languages spoken at each center.   Read more.

 

Free training program seeks to help adults respond to youth mental health concerns

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Read about a local teacher who uses what she learned at a San Mateo County Youth Mental Health First Aid training the very next day to assist a student in crisis.  More info on the County’s Mental Health First Aid Training program.

Video interview:

Heart and Soul Recruiting Executive Director

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Heart and Soul, a Peer-Operated non-profit organization in San Mateo County that provides self-help and peer support services to individuals and their families managing a mental health challenge and/or co-occurring challenges, is currently recruiting for an Executive Director.  See the Heart and Soul Recruitment Posting for more information.

You Are Not Alone…We can change the system

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Check out this touching video created by musician Amelia Curran and friends in Canada to raise awareness around mental illness, reduce stigma and change the system in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a message of hope: “You are not alone…We can change the system.”

Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings – Nov 1st & Dec 6th

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Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.  Register by 10/24 for the November training and by 11/24 for the December Training.  For more details, visit the BHRS Community Education webpage: www.smchealth.org/bhrs/ode/CommunityEd

BHRS Recognized as ” Community Heroes” by American Red Cross

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Terry Wilcox-Rittgers and Joicy Mean represented the many BHRS staff who worked endless hours and days to assist the survivors of Asiana Flight 214, their families and their countrymen recently at the American Red Cross Community Heroes Breakfast.  Many thanks to these dedicated individuals, the staff who covered for them, and their families who supported them during this time.

American Red Cross Community Heroes

American Red Cross Community Heroes

 

San Mateo County looking at housing options for homeless

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San Mateo County is considering a rapid rehousing pilot program that helps get families out of shelters and into stable long-term housing more quickly.

www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2014-10-21/san-mateo-county-looking-at-housing-options-for-homeless/1776425131969.html

San Mateo County Honors Housing Heroes

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Congratulations to the recipients of the 2014 Housing Heroes Award, presented by the BHRS Change Agent Committee (seated in front row): Bertha Sanchez, Martha Irizarry, Melissa Platte, Jasmina Ragoobeer, Nikki Adams, Judy Dell’Ara.Housing Heroes

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