Orville Roache, Executive Director of Our Common Ground; Supervisor Dave Pine; Allison (family member); Ian Allen (individual in recovery); and Stephen Kaplan, BHRS Director. See their heartfelt speeches to the Board of Supervisors (starting at 1 hr. 17 min.)
Rev. Mary Frazier, presented the 2015 David Lewis Award for her contributions to the recovery community at the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commission meeting yesterday.
On Friday and Saturday, June 26-27, BHRS hosted the Spanish suicide prevention training “Reconozca Las Señales- suicidio es preventible” in Half Moon Bay. This training was in collaboration with CalMHSA, Know The Signs, and Visión y Compromiso. The training prepared community workers and community members to facilitate a 1-hour training on the topic of suicide. The 1-hour training covered how to recognize warning signs of suicide, how to start the conversation if you do see possible warning signs of suicide, and where one can find resources and help if they are needed. By facilitating discussions and educating the community around these areas, we are creating a more aware and safer community. Congratulations to the 22 graduates! To learn more about this campaign, visit: http://www.suicideispreventable.org/ or http://www.elsuicidioesprevenible.org/ (Spanish) To learn more about San Mateo County’s efforts toward suicide prevention visit: http://www.smchealth.org/bhrs/SuicidePrevention 
David Wong (left) of Wells Fargo Bank donates a pony and other stuffed animals to Tim Holechek, Northwest CSA Manager (center) for the child and family clinic waiting rooms. The donation was facilitated by Deputy Fred Menzel of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department.
Our very own BHRS staff, Dr. Jei Africa, Director of the Office of Diversity and Equity was honored with the California Psychological Association, Distinguished Humanitarian Contribution Award. The award honors a person whose voluntary and career efforts have directly and significantly improved the quality of life for a broad range and large number of persons in our society. The award is intended to highlight members of the psychology profession who transcend guild interests.
We are so proud of Dr. Jei Africa, please help us congratulate him!
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation today designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Check out the many events throughout the county in recognition of Mental Health Month, kicking off with “Stand Up for Mental Wellness” on Monday, May 4th from 6-8 pm. Learn about San Mateo County’s new “Be The One” campaign and find out how you can Be The One to help eliminate stigma in your community. Visit www.smchealth.org/mentalhealthmonth for a list of events.
Kathy Reyes (ODE), Steve Kaplan (BHRS Director), Jean Fraser (Health System Chief), Daniella Tavake and Alan Cochran. Daniella and Alan shared their stories of hope and recovery at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
Congratulations to the Service Connect team who recently received the County STARS award for customer service! Service Connect is a collaborative effort among various department and agencies in San Mateo County. It is designed to reduce recidivism among recently released prison and jail population under State realignment legislation and County Unified realignment. The Service Connect team is committed to serving the forensic population who are passionate about providing assistance and have made significant contribution and exemplary service.
Service Connect Team (partial)
Terry Wilcox-Rittgers and Joicy Mean represented the many BHRS staff who worked endless hours and days to assist the survivors of Asiana Flight 214, their families and their countrymen recently at the American Red Cross Community Heroes Breakfast. Many thanks to these dedicated individuals, the staff who covered for them, and their families who supported them during this time.
American Red Cross Community Heroes
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2014 Housing Heroes Award, presented by the BHRS Change Agent Committee (seated in front row): Bertha Sanchez, Martha Irizarry, Melissa Platte, Jasmina Ragoobeer, Nikki Adams, Judy Dell’Ara.
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