Category Archives: Cultural Competence

November is Native American Heritage Month

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Did you know that November is Native American Heritage Month? Come by Central County Adult Mental Health (CCMH) to see their cultural display and learn about Native American contributions to one’s daily way of life. We’re sure you’ll learn something new!

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All are welcome to attend the Native American Initiative (NAI) that meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at CCMH (1950 Alameda de Las Pulgas, San Mateo) from 8:30-10:00 am.

For more information, contact Gloria Gutierrez, NAI Chair, at ggutierrez@smcgov.org

Nine New BHRS Health Ambassadors Dedicated to Supporting our Communities

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On September 2, 2015 San Mateo County (SMC) Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) with the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) was proud to introduce our 9 newest BHRS Health Ambassadors to the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission. The Health Ambassador Program (HAP) was created to: increase community awareness of services available in San Mateo County and help connect individuals to appropriate care and support; reduce the stigma around mental health & substance use issues; improve our communities ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and/or substance use issues and implement social change; foster community support and involvement in BHRS’ vision to improve services; assist communities in practicing prevention and early intervention, leading to healthier and stronger families. To become a BHRS Health Ambassador individuals must complete the ODE Parent Project® and 4 additional ODE community education courses (www.smchealth.org/bhrs/communityed).

HAP grads
Top Row from left to right: Zena Tarasena, Marta Ceron, Franzmarie Lippincott, Steve Kaplan (BHRS Director), Pedro Estrada, Yolanda Ramirez, Mylene Rodriguez
Sitting from left to right: Maria Ines Alfaro Garcia, Marcelina Hernandez, Amada Espinoza, Lourdes Briseno (Highlighted names are our newest HAP recipients)

We are proud of these 9 special individuals who have given their time and energy to increasing their knowledge and worked to support our common goal of helping those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

For further information on BHRS ODE Parent Project classes please contact Maggie Furey at c_mfurey@smcgov.org and for information on BHRS ODE Health Ambassador Program please contact Maria Lorente-Foresti at MLorente-Foresti@smcgov.org.

The Health Ambassador Program is supported by SMC BHRS, ODE & is funded by the voter approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).

Tackling the Challenges of Minority Mental Health

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Mental health within minority communities is a sensitive issue that needs addressing. In a report from the Surgeon General in 2001, these issues were highlighted while exploring the problems of biases, stereotypes and racism within the healthcare system. The report also emphasized the benefits of shared historical experiences and culture.

At NAMI’s 2015 National Convention in San Francisco, Dr. Jei Africa, Director of BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity examined the question, “What do we know right now?”  See more at: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2015/Tackling-the-Challenges-of-Minority-Mental-Health#sthash.5Qfsvjx5.dpuf

 

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