Category Archives: Behavioral Health Commission

2024 David Lewis Nomination Form – Deadline 8/16

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Nomination form for the 2024 David Lewis Award is now open. Deadline to submit nomination form is August 16th, 2024.

This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to substance abuse recovery through successful programs, community education, stigma reduction or client advocacy. David Lewis was a long-term employee of San Mateo County Health. He was the co-founder and president of the Board of Directors of “Free at Last,” a substance abuse treatment and prevention agency in East Palo Alto that seeks to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild families, foster education and economic self sufficiency, and contribute to the health and safety of the community.

Download nomination form below.

David Lewis Award nomination form_fillable_2024Download

Celebrating Community at the 2024 Tony Hoffman Awards

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The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges and the communities in which they live. This year’s recipients included a diverse group of individuals representing BHRS programs and staff, partner agencies, media outlets, peers and youth leaders. The Board of Supervisors recognized and honored each recipient of the Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Service Award for making an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges and the San Mateo County community.

About the recipients:

Angel Nguyen, is a Mental Health Program Specialist with SMC-BHRS – Pathways Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court/Military Diversion. In her position, she is creating pathways for justice-involved clients to have an alternative to jail option while keeping our communities safe. She is an advocate, a leader, and for the last 2 years she has been directly supervising a team of 6 employees where she is also a nurturer and supporter to her team as they provide mental health services to one of the most complexed clients in our county.  

Heart and Soul makes a difference and impact on Peers through one-to-one mentoring and engagement towards community resources, employment opportunities, support and direct to housing resources. They celebrate the voices and lived experience of peers and create inviting, relatable, restorative groups and activities to connect with our diverse communities. Heart and Soul has provided for the past 15 years more than 90,000 peer to peer interactions. We are powered by Peers!  

The Spanish interpreters of Language Circle of California Inc have made a tremendous difference in bridging the communication gap with Re(MIND). They have supported clinical interventions and even daily counseling services to support clients through their recovery journey.  

Puente de la Costa Sur, founded in 1998, fosters wellness and prosperity in the San Mateo South Coast communities of Pescadero, La Honda, Loma Mar, and San Gregorio by promoting and advocating for equitable access to education, health, and economic security. 

At Puente (meaning “bridge” in Spanish), they believe that self-sufficiency is essential for turning those dreams into reality. Every day, we walk side-by-side with our South Coast neighbors as they cross the bridge toward independence. By advocating for health, education, and community development, they elevate our communities to build confidence for themselves. 

The 2023-2024 Behavioral Health Commission Youth Committee’s Youth Action Board (YAB) have embodied passion, commitment, creativity and collaboration to the utmost degree. Ranging from substance use recovery to suicide prevention, anxiety and depression to eating disorder recovery, they each consistently embrace those they work with and each project with kindness, empathy, creativity and a growth mindset of “how might we”. Our YAB leaders embody true systems leadership.  

More photos from the event here.

5/2 – MHSA Steering Committee: Prop 1 Next Steps

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We look forward to connecting with you at our next MHSA Steering Committee meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd.  Once again, we will have a NEW physical location for those that want to join us in-person.  The goal is to find a meeting location that allows for hybrid meetings, is accessible to public transportation and can remain consistent for us.  We will try the San Mateo Library next and new technology to help us host a hybrid meeting.  The Zoom link is also included below if you prefer to join virtually and the phone line for conferencing in.  The latest information for MHSA can always be found on the MHSA website, www.smchealth.org/MHSA, under the “Announcements” tab.

Next MHSA Steering Committee – May 2, 2024, from 3-4:30pm (hybrid meeting)

Now that we have the vote results for Proposition 1, we will be focusing the meeting on next steps, timeline for implementation and an opportunity for participants to provide input on the community planning process that will support implementation.

Thank you!

Commissioner Jean Perry, MHSA Steering Committee Co-chairperson
Commissioner Leti Bido, MHSA Steering Committee Co-chairperson
Doris Estremera, MHSA Manager

SMC Behavioral Health Commission’s Annual Retreat Prioritizes for 2024

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On January 27th, the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) had their annual retreat focused on setting goals for 2024, getting to know one another, and reviewing highlights from 2023. They identified increased participation in community collaborations, launching of various innovation projects, and identifying barriers for older adult populations using crisis respite as some of their accomplishments in 2023. The retreat was held at College of San Mateo and was facilitated by Sylvia Tang, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity. 

The retreat included a presentation on Brown Act Training from Gina Beltramo, Lead Deputy County Attorney, a 2023 Accomplishments Gallery Walk, and a Mental Health Green Ribbon Art Installation.  

BHC goals to be prioritized for 2024 include:  

  • Learn about drug and alcohol misuse treatment 
  • Site visits and inspections 
  • Continue supporting wellness literacy public training of mental health  

The Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) is committed to the involvement of diverse 
communities, key stakeholder organizations and individuals and family members with lived experience-especially those who rely on the public mental health system and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services – in the design and evaluation of San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS). The BHC continues to support San Mateo County’s local BHRS efforts to balance program accountability and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations with a continuing focus on quality and innovation. Finally, the BHC supports our behavioral health system’s core values of recovery/resilience/wellness and cultural competence through all of its activities. 

The BHC currently has six client seats open on the Behavioral Health Commission. We are looking for individuals with lived experience to become members and give the client voice and experience to the commission.  If you are interested, please complete the client/family member application and submit to Chantae Rochester at crochester@smcgov.org.  Questions, contact Chantae Rochester at 650.573.2544. 

Visit SMCHealth.org/Behavioral-Health-Commission to learn more about their work.  

2024 George Culores Hall of Fame Award Now Accepting Nominations – Deadline 1/16

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2016 Recipient of the George Culores Hall of Fame Award, Yolanda Ramirez, receiving the award from MHSARC member, Rocio Cornejo

Every year the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) honors individuals who have found their way to a path of wellness and recovery from mental illness and have been active in the consumer movement to better the lives of others in San Mateo County.

The George Culores Hall of Fame Award recognizes consumer/clients who have made contributions to better the lives of other consumer/clients; shown leadership in the consumer movement or have a personal journey of recovery that inspires and gives hope to others.  

Deadline to submit nomination is on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024.

Learn more about the George Culores Hall of Fame Award here.

nomination_form2024Download

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) 

Congratulations 2023 Tony Hoffman Award Recipients!

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Top Row: Katelyn C., Chris R., Frieda E., Hudson F., Paul N., Jacki R. Leticia B., Jean P., Chelsea B., Jeff E.,
Middle Row: Fatima O., Jani D., Nicholas M., Leslie D., Ivette H., Regina M., Dr. Lovella C., Ziomara O.,
Bottom Row: John B., Charlotte R.

The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges and the communities in which they live. This year’s recipients included a diverse group of individuals representing BHRS programs and staff, partner agencies, media outlets, peers and youth leaders. The Board of Supervisors recognized and honored each recipient of the Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Service Award for making an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges and the San Mateo County community.

More photos from the event here.

1. BHRS Prenatal-to-Three Program staff strive to provide trauma-informed care and resources that improve infant, children and family overall quality of life who often experience stressors associated with financial difficulties, difficult parenting issues, trauma, domestic violence, mental health disorders, and drug and alcohol issues. Regina Moreno, Clinical Services Manager, Dr. Lovella Caluya-Diaz, Adult Psychiatrist, and Ivette Huerta, Unit Supervisor accepted the award on behalf of the program team.

2. Charlotte Rosario is a student in San Mateo who organized an open-mic event at San Mateo Central Park after losing Felipe, an Aragon High School student, to suicide. She is the founder of the community photobooth, a group of young photographers and filmmakers that raise funds for film projects that support mental health. Charlotte is also a member of the Behavioral Health Commission Youth Committee, Youth Action Board.

“When I was 12 years old, I lost my dad to suicide… the more I say it the stronger I get… through this journey my mom has taught me that the way to get through these challenges is by helping others”

– Charlotte R.

3. Fatima Olivares is a BHRS Mental Health Counselor who works with the Homeless Outreach program. She supported the Half Moon Bay community after the tragedy earlier this year. She was part of the Crisis Response Team and spent countless hours assisting families whose primary language is Spanish and who were in need of services and assistance.

Read more

2023 Tony Hoffman Award | Deadline 4/17

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The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and the media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental illness and the communities in which they live.

Recognition is given for public education or advocacy to promote mental health awareness and needs or to address stigma; public education and services to provide housing and employment for persons with mental illness; creation of new and innovative programs or community support activities; recognition of fundraising for mental health activities or long-term financial support to mental health programs; or working for new mental health legislation.

We also honor mental health consumers who, in their journey of recovery, are able to give back to their peers or the community. Awards are presented each May during Mental Health Month. 

See nomination form below.

Tony-Hoffman-Application_2023.1Download
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