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
For a second time the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) was honored to have the opportunity to support and participate in Supervisor, David Canepa’s “Caffeinate and Conversate with Canepa” series that was held on Saturday, March 25th in Daly City.
On this occasion the discussion topic was centered on the advancement of health equity and addressing the gaps impeding some communities in attaining services. ODE Director, Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti and Frances Lobos (ODE Community Health Planner) shared how ODE works to advance behavioral health equity in multiple ways; one is by creating space and opportunities for community members to engage, be active, and provide feedback about their needs via programs like the Health Ambassador Program, Health Equity Initiatives and Parent Project. Secondly, ODE supports BHRS to provide information & services in a culturally responsive ways, which may look like hosting trainings in our county threshold languages and working in collaboration with community partners to provide culturally responsive services and interventions. All participants were provided with information about how to obtain BHRS services and other important community resources.
In addition to ODE, attendees of the event heard about broader efforts from Lisa Tealer, Executive Director of the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC), Marmi Bermudez, Senior Manager for Health Coverage Unit and Jessica Ho, Government and Community Affairs Manager at North East Medical Services (NEMS, and even an impromptu testimonial from Health Ambassador, Michael Lim, on the impact of accessing support services. All exemplifying that, as Lisa put it, “it takes a village, to support a village.”
To learn more about David Canepa’s past and upcoming events, you can visit his social media pages…
As many of you know, May is Mental Health Month or, as we also like to call it, the lime greenest time of the year! This year’s theme, adopted from the statewide campaign, is #SMCTakeAction4MH. The theme encourages everyone to take actionable steps to address mental health and substance use matters. Over the past two years, the pandemic has been especially challenging for many of us. Your mental health is more important than ever. Throughout the month, learn ways you can take action to improve your communities’ mental wellness!
Each year we partner with local agencies and community members to offer free events throughout San Mateo County. This year, we are offering both in-person and virtual events!
To find our full calendar of events, learn ways to get involved, and find behavioral health resources. Visit our website here: SMCMentalHealthMonth.org.
Please promote Mental Health Month with your communities and networks by sharing our promo flyer and utilizing our virtual backgrounds.
Many (if not all of us) know someone facing a mental health or substance misuse issue. However, many people do not get the help and treatment they need because of the stigma around these issues and fear others will judge them. San Mateo County is dedicated to reducing this stigma so that everyone gets the help they need and, ultimately, are able to live longer and better lives.
While we know stigma is a major barrier, how pervasive is such stigma in our San Mateo County community? Are our current stigma reduction programs reducing this stigma overtime?
Key findings from the Community Stigma Baseline Survey are listed below. The Executive Summary and Full Report have more information on each domain, differences by demographics (e.g. age, gender, race/ethnicity) and general information about the survey.
Mental Health
One-third of San Mateo County adults (36%) have had a mental health issue.
Among those who have had a mental health issue, almost two-thirds (72%) sought treatment.
San Mateo County adults scored highest on Mental Health Inclusive Behavior across the three domains used to assess overall knowledge, beliefs and behavior, followed closely by Mental Health Knowledge.
Substance Misuse
One in ten San Mateo County adults (13%) have had a substance misuse issue.
Among those who have had a substance misuse issue, one-half (55%) sought treatment.
San Mateo County adults scored highest on the Substance Misuse Knowledge domain.
September is Suicide Prevention Month (SPM), which includes National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). SPM aims to empower everyone in the community to prevent suicide.
For 2020, San Mateo County and partners are promoting the theme of “Stronger Together” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that studies show that connectedness is overall an important protective factor for suicide and states, “[c]onnectedness between individuals can lead to increased frequency of social contact, lowered levels of social isolation or loneliness, and an increased number of positive relationships.” 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenge, and yet we have seen how communities can come together in innovative and supportive ways.
Each year, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity and Suicide Prevention Committee publishes web page of events which promotes the SPM events broadly across local providers, partners and community in San Mateo County. We will also be offering mini-grants for selected recipients.
Apply for Call for Events & Mini-Grant: If you would like your event listed on the web page AND to be considered for a mini-grant, please complete this application by Wednesday, August 26th.
Apply for Call for Events ONLY: If you would like your event listed on the web page ONLY (NO mini-grant), please email Zena Andreani (zena.andreani@star-vista.org) no later than Friday, August 28th.
“California Clubhouse is seeing GREEN! We are excited to celebrate and show our support this Mental Health Awareness Month by launching our YouTube channel where we will post videos with the theme “Each Mind Matters: Express Yourself”. This month, we are working with our community to post 30 seconds videos “focusing on how expressing ourselves in different way can raise awareness about mental health.”
We are asking our greater San Mateo County community to post #ExpressYourself videos to raise awareness and break down stigma – 30 seconds is all you need! Post on our Facebook and/or Twitter pages and share with family and friends!
This week, you can Express Your Well-Being and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE and virtual May Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!).
Maintaining your well-being through regular self-care prevents burnout, reduces the negative effects of stress, and helps you refocus – and it doesn’t have to cost a thing.
However, making time to focus on your well-being isn’t always easy. Self-care isn’t about being selfish or getting a reward — it is a critical part of maintaining our well-being. As author Brianna Wiest says: “Self-care should not be something we resort to because we are so absolutely exhausted that we need some reprieve from our own relentless internal pressure. True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.”
Real self-care is a thoughtful practice that builds well-being over time. Here are some resources to help build this practice and express your well-being:
For folks who like a more structured approach, or people who are experiencing mental health challenges or those living with chronic health conditions, a more comprehensive self-care planning approach may be helpful. In this case, a helpful tool one may want to consider is Wellness Recovery Action Planning, developed by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland. Or take a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) workshop offered by our local Voices of Recovery San Mateo County.
Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) in May. MHAM is one of the best times of the year where we can promote wellness and reduce stigma against those facing mental health and substance use issues.
This year, San Mateo County is joining Each Mind Matters, California’s Statewide Mental Health Movement, in promoting the theme Express Yourself. As we celebrate 2020 MHAM, we are focusing on how expressing ourselves in different ways can raise awareness about mental health, break down barriers between people, build our own wellness and strengthen our communities.
Due to COVID-19, all of our events will be taking placevirtuallythisyear. Look forward to virtual open mics, paint and dance classes, mental health panels, and more! All events will be FREEand available to the public. Share this post or this flyer with your family, friends and community!
Fri, 5/1 11am-1pm | Race & Coronavirus Town Hall Virtual Virtual Location: Zoom – Register Here Details: On behalf of the Diversity and Equity Council (DEC), please join community partners in a discussion on COVID-19 related impacts o people of color, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities. We will discuss priorities and strategies to support or communities. You can download event flyer here (PDF | PNG). Language: English, Spanish, Cantonese Contact: Diversity Equity Council (DEC) Co-Chairs Brenda Nunez (brenda.nunez@star-vista.org | (650-477-4295) and Frances Lobos (flobos@smcgov.org | 650-372-3272)
Fri, 5/1 7:15-8:30 pm | Mental Health Open Mic Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, San Mateo County Poet Laureate Aileen Cassinetto joins us to help break the silence surrounding suicide and mental illness. We’ll also be joined by trauma specialists from StarVista. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Sun, 5/3 3:00pm – 4:30pm| The Let’s Talk Mental Health Group of Peninsula Temple Sholom (PTS) presents Stories of Hope, Stories of Wisdom Virtual Location: https://zoom.us/j/455465262 OR One tap mobile +16699006833,,455465262# Details: Ian Adamson, founder and executive director of Mateo Lodge, a facility with residential and community support services for persons with mental illness, will share his lifetime of experience working with young adults 18 – 59 who are living with mental health concerns that affect their ability to find a meaningful path in life. All will be inspired and informed by Ian’s passion. This presentation, guided by moderator and PTS member, David Korth, will be particularly relevant at this time when young adults, and also the rest of us, face more challenges, stress and uncertainty than before. Language: English Contact: LETSTALKMH@sholom.org
Mon, 5/4 4:00-5:30pm | Make Your Own Mask Workshop Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: There’s always a need for more protective masks. Fiber artist and fabric fix-it coach Lanajean Vecchione will show you a few simple ways to use what you already have at home. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Tue, 5/5 – Thu, 6/4 Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm | Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Around Trauma Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: If you feel you have lost your power, come and join us as we focus on Wellness Tools and Action Plans that will support you in the process of taking back your own power, taking some safe risks and seeking out people who validate you and your experiences. You can download event flyer here Language: English Contact: info@vorsmc.org
Thu, 5/7 1pm & Fri, 5/8 7pm | Our Lives, Our Voices: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Health Issues, with local organization Heart and Soul, Inc. Virtual Location: https://zoom.us/j/4782785269 OR 669-900-6833 (Meeting ID: 4782785269) (Same login for both sessions). Details: Join Bevin Love, Program Director of Heart & Soul, Inc and three community members for a discussion on their lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery. We are changing the dialogue from diagnosis to dialogue, from mental illness to mental resilience. Please note there are two sessions of similar panels. This event is part of a series called, “Burlingame Reads 2020 Featuring The Collected Schizophrenia by Esmé Weijun Wang. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Fri, 5/8 4:00-5:00pm | Social DisDancing Virtual Location: Zoom | https://zoom.us/j/97589017661 Details: Looking to get some movement going at home? Take a free all levels Hip Hop dance class with JC Caoile, Director of Str8jacket Dance Company! Practice Social DisDancing with him from the comfort of your home! Language: English Contact: JC Caoile (jcaoile4@gmail.com)
Mon, 5/11 6:00-7:00pm | Self-Care: Who’s Got Time for That? Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: What if you are under stressful conditions, and find traditional discussions of self-care to be inauthentic and inaccessible? Our presenters, Dr. Julie Nicholson and Julie Kurtz, are researchers, educators, and authors with helpful strategies that can be implemented immediately. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Mon, 5/11 7:00pm | Ask a Doctor: Mental Health During COVID-19 Virtual Location: Zoom |Call 669-900-6833 OROpen this Link (Meeting ID: 899 2779 5010; Password: 934658) Details: This panel includes the following speakers: Kristoffer Strauss, MD, San Mateo County Psychiatry Resident Juan Lopez, MD, San Mateo County Psychiatry Resident, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Stanford University Tram Nguyen, MD, San Mateo County Psychiatry Resident, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Stanford University Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Tue, 5/12 1pm & 7pm | Book Discussion on Chapter 1-6 of The Collected Schizophrenia Virtual Location: 1pm: (669) 900-6833 OR https://zoom.us/j/92166088394?pwd=R2FOVFYrbElIRGp5NDB2K3V3NGk3UT09(Meeting ID: 921 6608 8394; Password: 674911) 7pm: https://zoom.us/j/96525585539?pwd=cklUVkxMS2lFNFB5RzYxc2VQS1pvZz09 OR (669) 900-6833 (Meeting ID: 965 2558 5539; Password: 164028) Details: Please note there are two sessions of this book discussion. This event is part of a series called, “Burlingame Reads 2020 Featuring The Collected Schizophrenia by Esmé Weijun Wang. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Wed, 5/13 7:00pm | South San Francisco City Council Proclamation of 2020 May Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Location: Live stream at bit.ly/ssf_video_streaming. Details: South San Francisco City Council will join the county, state and country in proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Language: English Contact: Sheri Boles (Sheri.Boles@ssf.net)
Thu, 5/14 7:00-8:30pm | Live & Aloud Online – Gaby Castro – Singer / Songwriter – Mental Health Advocate Virtual Location: Zoom | RSVP Required to rkutler@redwoodcity.org for Zoom Link Details: An advocate for mental health, many of Gaby’s songs touch on her personal struggles and the trials of those around her. Let her music tell the stories. Public Program – All Are Welcome. Recommended Age: 13+ (Please be aware that this program will include topics including depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide, and death.) Language: English Contact: Roz Kutler | rkutler@redwoodcity.org
Tue, 5/14 7:00-8:30pm | Every Body Is A Good Body: Disability Justice, Fat Activism, & Mental Health, a Conversation w/ Virgie Tovar and Alex Locust Virtual Location: Zoom | Call 669-900-6833 or Open this Link (Meeting ID: 890 5273 6506; Password: 892947) Details: More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Sat, 5/16 3:00-5:00pm | Painting Class with Dina Virtual Location: Zoom | https://zoom.us/j/91399955481 OR+16699006833,,91399955481# Details: A virtual painting class promoting stress relief and creative growth. This class is for everyone, I will teach you how to paint an easy, fun and exciting piece that you can show to all your friends and family. This class is for children and adults. Language: English Contact: Dina Figureroa (Figueroadina@hotmail.com)
Tue, 5/19 9:00-11:00am | Board of Supervisors Proclamation of 2020 May Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Location: Live Stream at https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx | Participate with public comment by visiting https://smcgov.zoom.us/j/97269422877 or dialing +1-669-900-6833 (meeting ID: 972 6942 2877) Details: Every year, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Please join in solidarity with our Board of Supervisors and greater San Mateo County community. You are also welcome to provide public comment on this agenda item as well. You can find meeting agenda and live stream link at https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Language: English Contact: Sylvia Tang (stang@smcgov.org | 650-578-7165)
Tue, 5/19 1pm & 7pm | Book Discussion on Chapter 7-13 of The Collected Schizophrenia Virtual Location: 1pm: (669) 900-6833 OR https://zoom.us/j/92166088394?pwd=R2FOVFYrbElIRGp5NDB2K3V3NGk3UT09(Meeting ID: 921 6608 8394; Password: 674911) 7pm: https://zoom.us/j/96525585539?pwd=cklUVkxMS2lFNFB5RzYxc2VQS1pvZz09 OR (669) 900-6833 (Meeting ID: 965 2558 5539; Password: 164028) Details: Please note there are two sessions of this book discussion. This event is part of a series called, “Burlingame Reads 2020 Featuring The Collected Schizophrenia by Esmé Weijun Wang. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Tue, 5/19 3:30-5:00pm | Gaby Castro Performance (Teens Only – Grades 6-12 Welcome) Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: Join us as Gaby Castro discusses her struggles with mental illness and how music and songwriting have helped. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: Gina Feil (gifeil@menlopark.org)
Wed, 5/20 6:00-8:00pm | May Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Open Mic at the Pride Center Virtual Location: Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81631636272 Details: The Pride Center is hosting a virtual open mic night to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Share a story, your poetry, spoken word and/or your musical talents. You can download event flyer here. Language: English Contact: Lowellyn Sunga (lowellyn.sunga@sanmateopride.org | 650-695-0006)
Tue, 5/26 6:30-8:00pm | Trauma to Triumph: Women Share Their Stories of Healing and Hope Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we present a live panel discussion. Women working in the fields of recovery, mental health, and advocacy will share how they’ve overcome personal challenges, and pass along their suggestions for achieving resilience and hope. Details and updates at this web page. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Wed, 5/27 7:00pm-8:30pm | A Path Forward Virtual Location: Zoom Web Browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88437080506?pwd=bThnL3M2MmNJbmpKRmFZUUpTNXJOQT09 | Meeting ID: 884 3708 0506 | Password: 083151 One tap mobile: +16699006833,,88437080506#,,#,083151# Dial-in: +1 669 900 6833 US | Meeting ID: 884 3708 0506 | Password: 083151 Details: The impact of COVID-19, how we understand our new feelings and behaviors and what we can do for self-help and for helping our loved ones to get through this period. This presentation will provide an opportunity to talk about the many new developments we are experiencing and what options we have to feel empowered and supported when it comes to our mental health and that of our loved ones. You will get tips and advice that you can use right away. Our speaker and guide will be Dr. Jennifer Myers Harrison, a Board Certified Licensed Psychologist. You can download event flyer here (PDF | JPG). Language: English Contact: Jan Cohen (650-638-0800)
Thu, 5/28 4:00-5:30pm | Weaving Connections: Sharing Stories for Mental Health Awareness Virtual Location: Zoom | Please RSVP for a required Zoom login by emailing fpotter@redwoodcity.org. RSVP by May 22 in order to receive a free friendship bracelet kit via USPS mail. Details: In this time of social distancing, emotional connections to friends and family members are more important than ever. Honor special friends in your life by learning to make simple friendship bracelets! During the event we’ll hear three Lived Experience Academy graduates share stories of their experiences confronting mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. Recommended for ages 16+ .More information at this web page. Language: English Contact: Fiona Potter (fpotter@redwoodcity.org | 650-780-7056)
Jueves/Thu, 5/28 6:00-8:00pm | “Familia y Bienestar durante COVID-19″, una conversación con Embajadores de Salud y Profesionales | Health Ambassadors Dialogue: “Family & Wellness during COVID-19” Locación Virtual | Virtual Location: Zoom | Registrarse Aquí | Register Here Detalles | Details: Acompañenos a aprender y compartir experiencias sobre el tema de salud mental en tiempos de crisis. Descargue el volante aquí.| Join us to learn and share experiences about mental health in a time of crisis. Download flyer here. idioma| Language: Español con interpretación disponible en Inglés | Spanish with English Interpretation Contacto | Contact: Charo Martinez | mmartinezresendiz@smcgov.org
Thu, 5/28 7:00pm | Virtual Author Event w/ Esmé Weijun Wang Virtual Location: Zoom | Call 669-900-6833 or Open this Link (Meeting ID: 899 2779 5010; Password: 934658 Details: More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Starting this Friday, October 27th, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) will be convening a Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Task Force to develop strategies to better serve the behavioral health care needs of individuals ages 0-25.
The last PEI Task Force was assembled in 2006 prior to the disbursement of MHSA funding. Since then, learning and best practices have emerged; context and environment have shifted. For three 2-hour meetings, this special time-limited task force is intended to make recommendations for prevention and early intervention priorities and programming for children, youth and transition age youth in San Mateo County as part of the MHSA Three-Year Plan.
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