Category Archives: Adults

Youth Leaders Share Mental Health Advice to Parents at “What I Wish My Parents Knew” Forum

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In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity’s Chinese Health Initiative partnered with Belmont, Redwood Shore, San Carlos Chinese Community  (BRSCC), and Star Vista’s Health Ambassador Youth Program to host the “What I Wish My Parents Knew” forum on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

The successful forum was led by San Mateo County youths Xin Xin Cai, Anthony Lee, and Anastasia Yang, with over 50 participants of parents, caregivers, and allies. As a way to ensure this forum was accessible to our communities, it was provided in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation.

Youth leaders addressed mental health questions using their lens of the Chinese-American culture and provided insightful advice to parents and mental health clinicians in the audience. They identified the top reasons for not wanting to share about their mental health were stigma and not wanting to worry their parents. One piece of advice offered to address this challenge was for parents and caregivers to talk to teens about their mental health in ways that support teens as independent individuals such as giving them time and space.

To learn more about the Chinese Health Initiative, visit SMCHealth.org/CHI and follow them on Facebook.

Written by Alyson Suzuki, Chinese Health Initiative Co-Chair and Kayla Tolentino, BHRS’ Office of Diversity & Equity

11/4- 10th Annual Sana Sana Colita de Rana

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Please join us for our 10th Annual Sana Sana, Colita de Rana event that is co-sponsored by BHRS’ Latino/a/x Collaborative, ALAS, Spiritualiy Initiative, Native Indigenous People’s Initiative, and BHRS’ Office of Diversity & Equity.

Date/ time: Saturday, November 4th, 2023 from 11AM-3PM

Location: South San Francisco High School (400 B Street, South San Francisco, Ca).

About the event: This is a family-friendly event to promote health and wellness among our Latino/a/x community in SMC. This event will be in Spanish with English interpretation for main events.

This year’s theme is “10 Años Sañando Juntos / Ten Years of Healing Together” to recognize our tenth year of holding this event and to reflect on how far we have come as a Latino/a/x Collaborative community.

We are proud to share that our keynote speaker will be Dra. Estela Garcia. Dra. Garcia has received numerous leadership recognition awards for her commitment to Chicano, Latino/a/x community. Additionally, we will have on-site health screenings, food, music, resource booths, and so much more.

This event is dedicated in memory of Hector Robles-Moncada, co-chair and co-leader of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sana Sana. Hector Robles Moncada, who passed earlier this year.

For more information about this event visit SMCHealth.org/2023SanaSana

Messaging Matters: Safe and Effective Messaging for Suicide Prevention

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 

Hello, everyone! 

The way we talk about suicide can contribute to suicide prevention. Next time you bring up the topic of suicide, remember these helpful tips:  

  • Provide a suicide prevention resource
  • Educate the audience about warning signs and risk factors 
  • Avoid discussing details about the method of suicide 
  • Explain complexity of suicide. Avoid oversimplifying 
  • Focus on prevention. Avoid sensational language and images 

More suicide prevention events and resources at SMCHealth.org/SPM.  

Events happening this week:  

💜 Mon, 9/25 – Be Sensitive Be Brave at Belmont Library 

💜 Wed, 9/27 – Be Sensitive Be Brave at Atherton Library 

💜 Thurs, 9/28 – Be Sensitive Be Brave at Half Moon Bay Library 

💜  Thurs, 9/28 – Crafternoon hosted at SMC Pride Center, San Mateo 

💜 Fri, 9/29 – Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud via Zoom 

💜 Sat, 9/30 – Recovery Dance at P90 Friendship Hall, San Mateo 

Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:                
Call 650-579-0350 or 988                
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988                
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org  

In community,  

Sylvia Tang & Kristie Lui 

SP-Messaging-Matters-Tip_-Social-Media_EngDownload

Pages: 1 2

Fall 2023 Parent Project Classes in Spanish

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The Parent Project is a free, 12-week course designed for parents and caregivers with adolescents who display challenging behaviors. Offered in both English and Spanish, the classes teach both prevention and intervention strategies that focus on the following areas:
• Dealing with unhealthy and/or dangerous behaviors in teens
• Strengthening family relationships

Participants gain access to resources and other support systems available in their communities, and also practice effective parenting skills that include:
• Developing appropriate family structure
• Preventing or ceasing the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco
• Enhancing communication skills
• Improving grades and school attendance

To learn more about Parent Project, visit SMCHealth.org/ParentProject.

PP-Flyer-Spanish-Wednesday-Class-Fall-23-1Download

2023 Suicide Prevention Month #ShareHopeTogether

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 | 以下为中文版本

 Hello, everyone!  We are one month away from September Suicide Prevention Month (in addition to Recovery Happens Month)! 

San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the following Suicide Prevention Month (SPM) observances. SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.  

  • Suicide Prevention Month (September) 
  • National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16)  
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) 

The 2023 SPM statewide theme is “Share Hope Together”. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources, or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. 

This year, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity and San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee lead a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and communication campaign. For the latest updates on free events and resources, you can visit smchealth.org/SPM.  To help spread this message of hope, you can share this flyer and email to your clients/consumers, colleagues, friends, family and community!

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:              
Call 650-579-0350 or 988              
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988              
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org 

 ¡Saludos a todos!  

¡Estamos a un mes de Septiembre, Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (además del Mes de la Recuperación Sucede)!  El Condado de San Mateo se unirá a los esfuerzos estatales y nacionales para los siguientes días de concientización del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (MPS). El MPS es uno de los mejores momentos del año en el que podemos honrar a los afectados por el suicidio e inspirar la prevención del suicidio. 

  • Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (septiembre) 
  • Semana Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (10 al 16 de septiembre) 
  • Día Mundial para la Prevención del Suicidio (10 de septiembre) 

El lema estatal del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio de 2023 es “Compartir Esperanza Juntos”. El acto de compartir, ya sea compartiendo esperanza, historias, tiempo, recursos o experiencias, puede servir como una herramienta poderosa en la prevención del suicidio.  Este año, la Oficina de Diversidad y Equidad de los Servicios de la Salud del Comportamiento y Recuperación (BHRS) del Condado de San Mateo, y el Comité de Prevención del Suicidio del Condado de San Mateo organizarán una variedad de eventos virtuales y en persona, días de abogacía, y campañas de comunicación. Para obtener las últimas noticias y detalles sobre eventos y recursos gratuitos, puede visitar el sitio web, smchealth.org/SPM.   

¡Para ayudar a difundirestemensaje de esperanza, puede compartir este volante y correoelectrónico con sus clientes/consumidores, colegas, amigos, familiares y comunidad!

Si usted o alguien que conoce enfrenta retos emocionales o esta atravezando una crisis, contacte nuestras líneas de CRISIS de 24/7:              
Llame al 650-579-0350 o 988              
Envie Texto “Bay” al 741-741 o 988              
Visite SanMateoCrisis.org

 大家好！  
  
距離九月自殺預防月（以及恢復月）還有一個月！  
  
聖馬特奧聖馬刁縣將在接下來的自殺預防月 (SPM) 紀念活動中加入全州和全國的活動。 SPM 是一年中最好的時刻之一，我們可以向那些受自殺影響的人致敬，並激發人們採取行動來預防自殺。   

  • 預防自殺月（九月）  
  • 全國預防自殺週（9 月 10 日至 16 日）  
  • 世界預防自殺日（9 月 10 日）  
      

2023年SPM全州的主題是“一起分享希望”。分享的方式，無論是分享希望、故事、時間、資源還是經驗，都可以成為預防自殺的有力工具。     今年，聖馬刁縣行為健康與康復服務多元化與公平辦公室和聖馬刁縣自殺預防委員會領導了各種 虛擬和現場活動、宣傳日和溝通活動。有關免費活動和資源的最新更新，您可以訪問 smchealth.org/SPM。
  為了幫助傳播這一希望的信息，您可以將此傳單和電子郵件分享給您的客戶/消費者、同事、朋友、家人和社區！  

 如果您或您認識的⼈正在掙扎 或遇到危機，請聯繫我們的 24/7 危機熱線:
電話 650-579-0350 或者 988 (提供中⽂翻譯)
短訊 “Bay” 到 741-741 或者 988 (僅英語和西班⽛語)
查詢網址 SanMateoCrisis.org (僅限英語) 

 大家好！  

距离九月自杀预防月（以及恢复月）还有一个月！  圣马特奥圣马刁县将在接下来的自杀预防月 (SPM) 纪念活动中加入全州和全国的活动。 SPM 是一年中最好的时刻之一，我们可以向那些受自杀影响的人致敬，并激发人们采取行动来预防自杀。  
•              预防自杀月（九月） 
•              全国预防自杀周（9 月 10 日至 16 日） 
•              世界预防自杀日（9 月 10 日）

2023年SPM全州的主题是“一起分享希望”。分享的方式，无论是分享希望、故事、时间、资源还是经验，都可以成为预防自杀的有力工具。   今年，圣马刁县行为健康与康复服务多元化与公平办公室和圣马刁县自杀预防委员会领导了各种 虚拟和现场活动、宣传日和沟通活动。有关免费活动和资源的最新更新，您可以访问 smchealth.org/SPM。 

为了帮助传播这一希望的信息，您可以将此传单和电子邮件分享给您的客户/消费者、同事、朋友、家人和社区！ 

如果您或您认识的⼈正在挣扎 或遇到危机，请联系我们的 24/7 危机热线:
电话 650-579-0350 或者 988 (提供中⽂翻译)
短讯 “Bay” 到 741-741 或者 988 (仅英语和西班⽛语)
查询网址 SanMateoCrisis.org (仅限英语) 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Adds Spanish Text and Chat Service Ahead of One-Year Anniversary

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One year after the rollout of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its 988 Lifeline partners announced the addition of Spanish text and chat services. Specialized services for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults were also added earlier this month, following a successful pilot test. The 988 Lifeline is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy to address the nation’s mental health crisis, and to date, the Administration has invested nearly $1 billion into this life-saving initiative. This investment is driving an increase in calls, texts and chats, with nearly 5 million contacts answered in the past year — and helped millions of people in crisis.

More information on the new services here.

Tips for a Happy and Healthy Summer ☀️

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The summer months are full of opportunities for kids to get outside, spend time with friends and family, and recharge for another busy school year. To help finish your summer strong, the Public Health Communications Collaborative has created a new resource with tips on having a happy and healthy summer. Don’t forget to check out the bingo activity to get your kids in on the fun!

Learn more about having a happy & healthy summer here or see the attached pdfs below.

PHCC_Tips-for-a-Happy-and-Healthy-Summer-Resource_ENGDownload
PHCC_Tips-for-a-Happy-and-Healthy-Summer-Resource_SPADownload

6/14 – Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month

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  • Join us at the Redwood City Public Library's Makerspace on June 14, 2023, at 7pm to honor the history and accomplishments of our immigrant communities through creativity!
  • Unase a nosotros en el Makerspace de la biblioteca pública de Redwood City el 14 de Junio, 2023 a las 7 de la noche para honrar la historia y los logros de nuestras comunidades inmigrantes a través de la creatividad!
  • 请于2023年6月14日晚上7点来到红木城公共图书 馆的创客空间，通过创意来纪念我们的移⺠社区的 历史和成就!

June is National Immigrant Heritage Month! Join San Mateo County’s Office of Consumer Affairs in the Makerspace on June 14th, Wednesday, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as we explore innovative and creative ways to celebrate the history and achievements of our immigrant communities. Decorate Epilog Laser Cutter wooden bookmarks or tell your story using heart map magnets. Learners of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

Joint Health Equity Initiative Collaborative Meeting in Celebration of Juneteenth

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It gives us great pleasure to announce a wonderful collaboration!

The African American Community Initiative (AACI) and the Spirituality Initiative (SI) will hold a collaborative monthly meeting, in the community of East Palo Alto (in-person & via Zoom) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 10:30am to 2pm.

The in-person location is at Ravenswood Family Health Network in the Juanita Duncan Conference Room (1842 Bay Road, E Palo Alto).

Lunch and refreshments will be served!

Please see the above flyer for more information and how to reserve your seat if you plan to attend in-person (seating is limited).

You will need to log in separately for each meeting if you plan to participate via Zoom. For Zoom Info, email Lee Harrison at leharrison@smcgov.org.

Both meetings will have brief presentations:

  • Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE)
  • African American Community Initiative (AAC) – Adult Protective Services Presentation (Cassie Villar) and AACI Introduction and Overview
  • Spirituality Initiative (SI) – Bishop, Dr. Cleveland Prince, Senior Pastor of True Light Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto.  A discussion about “Spirituality in the African American Experience, Overcoming Struggles, Faith and Fatherhood.”

Please plan to join us, and please share this information widely in your networks!

Also join AACI and Voices of Recovery for their Juneteenth celebration on Friday, 6/16/23. More info here.

Extraordinary Everyday Heroes Look Like Me, and You

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The May 23, 2023’s Board of Supervisors meeting was full of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) representation, including multiple appearances by our Health Equity Initiatives (HEI’s) across the agenda to spotlight Proclamations for:

As a new Senior Community Program Specialist in the County, there were breath-taking moments that gave me hope in our democracy by seeing everyday heroes in action—and they look like me, and you!

Beginning with an act of solidarity, Supervisor Ray Mueller addressed a public comment that conflated COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” by holding accountability immediately and centering all of our humanity, including the community member who said it. As the meeting went on, HEI Chinese Health Initiative co-chair Alyson Suzuki, offered a concise, authentic message leveraging her perspective as an Asian American parent. Simply put, she said “words matter,” to further demonstrate the impact of the racist remark. It was a chilling moment.

Notably, another HEI Pride Initiative co-chair Dana Johnson (they/them), shared two public comments as someone who lives an intersectional life as a Black transgender non-binary activist. They called specifically for the Board to consider actions that would move beyond Proclamations.

Co-presenting with the BHRS Director Dr. Jei Africa, my teammate and Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator and Pacific Islander Initiative member Twila Dependahl stood in her power as she spoke of the hard work that HEI’s are doing in our communities. The preparation for this presentation took immense collaborative efforts with Community Health Planner Sylvia Tang generously sharing her wisdom, leadership, and support that was behind the scene yet still so critical.

On the other side of the room, there were beautiful exchanges of support and encouragement. For example, with genuine care and joy, Supervisor David Canepa elevated another HEI Filipino Mental Health Initiative co-chair Stephanie Balon, who embodies kapwa (Tagalog for “togetherness/shared self”). Throughout the meeting, Supervisor Noelia Corzo offered gratitude to community members for sharing their stories.

Shortly afterwards, I talked with another HEI African American Community Initiative co-chair, Delicia “Dee” Pennix who attended the meeting in person for the Juneteenth Proclamation and we shared mutual feelings of excitement for our work, for the connections we are making, and for what’s ahead in our communities.

We are all extraordinary, everyday heroes.

You can learn how you can get involved with our Health Equity Initiative Co-Chairs by visiting http://smchealth.org/hei.

Written by Kayla Tolentino (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity

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