Author Archives: Kristie Lui

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: 988

Need help right now? The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is open 24/7, confidential, and free of charge. When you call or text 988, or chat on the website, you’ll be connected with a trained counselor who will listen to what you’re going through without judgment. And they’ll work with you to create a plan to keep you safe. You can also contact 988 if you’re worried about someone in your life. Get in touch on your own, or together. Call or text 988 on your phone, or chat on mobile or desktop at https://988lifeline.org/chat/

Events happening this week:
💜9/26 – You Matter: Youth Suicide Prevention Day at allcove in San Mateo
💜 9/30 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at 650 Main St, Redwood City

Presenting on Culturally Infused Community Training for Suicide Prevention – Be Sensitive, Be Brave

Last week in Morgan Hill (9/12/2024), I attended the Santa Clara County’s Suicide Prevention Conference and participated in a presentation titled, “Increasing the Accessibility of Suicide Prevention Community Trainings via Language Translation vs. Cultural Adaptation: Lessons Learned.” The presentation was led by Dr. Joyce Chu (co-creator of Be Sensitive Be Brave training for mental health and suicide prevention: https://www.smchealth.org/bsbb) and featured community partners for Vietnamese adaptation (Dr. Kathlyn Clementelli) and Tongan adaptation (Leafa Taumoepeau and Maata Misinale. I’m so grateful for each of them!

The lessons learned were so insightful and left the audience thinking about cultural adaptations for different communities, including food, storytelling and working with trusted institutions (community center, church).

Below are links with more suicide prevention information/resources: 

September Suicide Prevention Month: https://smcsuicideprevention.com/

Suicide Prevention Program/Committee: https://www.smchealth.org/suicide-prevention

Written by Sylvia Tang (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Community Health Planner and Suicide Prevention Committee Co-Chair

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: 2SLGBTQIA+

When it comes to 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and suicide prevention, community is a powerful and protective force. Individuals thrive when they’re accepted and embraced by family, friends, and peers. If you’re 2SLGBTQIA+ and having a tough time, there are always people you can talk to. Connect with @trevorproject or @translifeline, or find the 2SLGBTQIA+ community center nearest to you.

Events happening this week:
💜 9/19 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at Eedwood City Public Library
💜 9/23 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at 650 Main St, Redwood City
💜9/26 – You Matter: Youth Suicide Prevention Day at allcove in San Mateo

For more information on suicide prevention, go to https://smcsuicideprevention.com (link in bio) #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth

2024 Suicide Prevention Month | Spotify Playlist

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, some warm vibes, and supportive voices in your ear, we’ve got them—from Brandy and Billie Eilish to the White Stripes and Bill Withers.

Check out our Love Over Loneliness playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RW1D4d1co 3GXGjyD9Qav7?si=50babb9902dd4e86 (link in bio)

Events happening this week:
💜9/18 – Seeing Through Stigma: Suicide Awareness | Burlingame
💜 9/18 – Community Care Package Workshop & Social | San Mateo Pride Center

9/25, 10/9 & 10/22- Overdose Prevention Focus Group

San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is inviting you to participate in a Focus Group that will inform the development of an overdose prevention coalition! We are building a county-wide coalition to reduce the number of overdose deaths, increase access to recovery and treatment services, and improve the overall health of our community!

We need to hear from you! Your concerns, Your priorities, Your solutions!

Please join one of the following focus group sessions!

·       Wednesday, September 25th, 4-5 pm at Voices of Recovery, 650 Main Street, Redwood City

·       Wednesday, October 9th, 5-6 pm at Oceana High School, Pacifica

·       Tuesday, October 22nd, 10-11 am, Virtual (To receive the Zoom link, click Meeting Registration – Zoom)

Please see the attached handout and share this invitation with any concerned members of our community!

For more information, visit https://www.smchealth.org/overdosepreventioncoalition.

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Addressing Loneliness

Let’s continue talking about mental health, suicide prevention, and feelings of isolation. How can we best address loneliness? The approach may vary depending on age. Whether someone is a child, an older adult, or anywhere in between, there are always ways to foster hope and strengthen connections. Discover signs to watch for and effective strategies for every age group in our new resource, Love Over Loneliness for All Ages: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/

Events happening this week:
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/17 at 10AM in Belmont | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors- 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.

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Learn More About Substance Use Disorder

People experiencing Substance Use Disorder may use tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or opioids to cope with significant physical or emotional distress. However, instead of alleviating pain, Substance Use Disorder can increase the risk of suicide.

To learn more, explore our new resource: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/ (link in bio) To attend events, get involved and find resources, visit SMCSuicidePrevention.com

Events happening this week:
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/17 at 10AM in Belmont | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors- 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.

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Take Action for Suicide

Feelings of loneliness happen. Connecting with people is a basic human need—there’s no shame in wanting this. You can remedy loneliness, in yourself and in people you know.

Learn more here: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/ (link in bio)#SuicidePrevention

Events happening this week:
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.

2024 World Suicide Prevention Day: Change the Narrative

Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is “Change the Narrative”— because it’s time to talk more openly and honestly about suicide and suicide prevention. That can start with lighting a candle. Put it near your window at 8 PM tonight to visibly show your support for preventing suicide in our communities. It’s also a way to honor loved ones we have lost, and loved ones who have survived. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Learn more at SMCSuicideprevention.com

Events happening this week:
💜 9/10 at 4PM in Belmont in San Mateo | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop – Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one.
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.

2024 Suicide Prevention Week – Love Over Loneliness

This Suicide Prevention Week (9/8-9/14), we’re raising awareness about a subject that’s hard to talk about, but that we need to talk about. Love Over Loneliness is our theme. So many of us have experienced loneliness, because we’re missing a feeling of connection. We can foster a sense of belonging and grow meaningful relationships at any age. You can do this for yourself or for someone you know.

All week, we’ll be sharing new resources that can help. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free 24/7 support. For more information on suicide prevention, go to https://smcsuicideprevention.com (link in bio)

Events happening this week:
💜 9/10 at 9AM in Redwood City | San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Proclamation – Show your support for Suicide Prevention Month at San Mateo County’s Board of Supervisors Meeting!
💜 9/10 at 4PM in Belmont in San Mateo | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop – Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one.
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.

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