BHRS’s NAMIWalks Team
The BHRS Health & Hope For Everyone! team participated in NAMIWalks this past Saturday in San Jose to raise funds and awareness to help change perceptions about mental illness.
Category Archives: Event Photos
2016 Tony Hoffman Award Recipients
2016 Tony Hoffman Award Recipients: Ramona Gabriel, Dr. Lovella Caluya-Diaz and Alan Cochran
Introducing our Newest HAP Graduates
In March and April 2016, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) was proud to introduce our eight newest Health Ambassadors to the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission. These individuals were awarded a BHRS Health Ambassador Certificate and were given a few moments to reflect on their experience participating in the Health Ambassador Program (HAP) and their hopes as a Health Ambassador.
[Our Health Ambassadors recognized in March from L to R: Darryl Stubblefield, Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti – HAP Coordinator, Nora Perez, and Maria Anguiano. Bold names are our newest HAP recipients.]
[Health Ambassadors recognized in April 2016 from L to R: Marlenne Fajardo, Alejandra Cudos, Yrene Orue, Maggie Furey – Parent Project Coordinator, Maria Cuellar, and Sandy Bay. Bold names are our newest HAP recipients.]
We would like to congratulate these dedicated individuals and recognize them for their commitment and work to broaden our services and assist in addressing health disparities in our San Mateo County communities. We recognize their passion to help others and their pledge to continue learning. We acknowledge their continued work, as a BHRS Health Ambassador, to decrease stigma, assist individuals and families who are in need, to be a liaison with our communities & to teach others the tools to wellness.
To become a BHRS Health Ambassador, individuals must complete the ODE Parent Project® and 4 additional ODE community education courses. More information can be found at www.smchealth.org/bhrs/communityed.
The Health Ambassador Program is supported by SMC BHRS, ODE & is funded by the voter approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).
May Designated as Mental Health Awarness Month
Allen Haysbert, Candice Hawley, Alan Cochran, Supervisor Dave Pine and Steve Kaplan (BHRS) at the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting shown with the proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Allen, Candice and Alan each shared their inspiring stories of hope and recovery.
Mental Health First Aid Training Offered to Older Adult Caregivers and Volunteers
Older adult caregivers, volunteers and community members crowded the room in San Mateo for the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course held in Spanish, prompting training coordinators to plan for a future training in the coming months. Thirty-four individuals (pictured above), most of whom caregivers and volunteers, were certified in Mental Health First Aid during the mid-November training. The training marked the second course in 2015 offered in collaboration with Aging and Older Adult Services to In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Registry caregivers. Also in attendance were volunteers from Peninsula Family Services.
The course was taught by BHRS staff members Hector Moncada, Supervising Mental Health Clinician, and Gloria Gutierrez, Clinician, both of whom are very active in the Latino community. Mental Health First Aid is provided by the Office of Diversity and Equity.
MHFA is a FREE 8-hour certification course that teaches community members how to recognize and appropriately respond to an individual experiencing an emotional or behavioral health challenge, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance abuse. If you would like to host a training or are interested in attending, please contact Natalie Andrade at nandrade@smcgov.org
Promoting Health in the Latino Community
Over 200 people attended the 3rd Annual Latino Health Forum sponsored by the San Mateo County Latino Collaborative (top left), Healthy Weight Collaborative and Catholic Workers of Half Moon Bay. The event provided the Latino community an opportunity to come together and join the movement for healthy change by discovering important and fun ways to be physically and emotionally healthy. The forum featured keynote speaker Rigo Chacon (top center), health and wellness education, entertainment, fun activities for the entire family, and a healthy lunch. See the full story in the Half Moon Bay Review.
Recovery Month Art Gallery
It’s not too late to visit the Recovery Art Show which closes on September 27. Here’s a glimpse at some of the amazing artwork created by individuals in recovery. The show is being held at the Caldwell Memorial Art Gallery (1st Floor), 400 County Center, Redwood City. For more info, visit the Recovery Month webpage.
Supervisor Dave Pine Kicks Off Recovery Happens Picnic
San Mateo County Supervisor, Dave Pine – at his fourth consecutive Recovery Happens picnic yesterday – shares that investing in programs and people in recovery are a priority for the Board of Supervisors.
Nine New BHRS Health Ambassadors Dedicated to Supporting our Communities
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).
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).
Putting a Face on Behavioral Health
Last week, seven of our Lived Experience Academy (LEA) members participated in a photo session to put a face on mental health and substance use conditions. Each of these LEA members are brave and dedicated individuals who want to share their face and story to inspire hope and recovery for the San Mateo County community. The photos will be used for our upcoming communication efforts, including September Suicide Prevention Month. Stay tuned!
You must be logged in to post a comment.