Category Archives: Suicide Prevention Month

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Learn More About Substance Use Disorder

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People experiencing Substance Use Disorder may use tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or opioids to cope with significant physical or emotional distress. However, instead of alleviating pain, Substance Use Disorder can increase the risk of suicide.

To learn more, explore our new resource: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/ (link in bio) To attend events, get involved and find resources, visit SMCSuicidePrevention.com

Events happening this week:
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/17 at 10AM in Belmont | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors- Participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Take Action for Suicide

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Feelings of loneliness happen. Connecting with people is a basic human need—there’s no shame in wanting this. You can remedy loneliness, in yourself and in people you know.

Learn more here: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/ (link in bio)#SuicidePrevention

Events happening this week:
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.

2024 World Suicide Prevention Day: Change the Narrative

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Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is “Change the Narrative”— because it’s time to talk more openly and honestly about suicide and suicide prevention. That can start with lighting a candle. Put it near your window at 8 PM tonight to visibly show your support for preventing suicide in our communities. It’s also a way to honor loved ones we have lost, and loved ones who have survived. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Learn more at SMCSuicideprevention.com

Events happening this week:
💜 9/10 at 4PM in Belmont in San Mateo | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop – Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one.
💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources.
💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.

Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – September 2024

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The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LOSS OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the tragic passing of a community member in Menlo Park last week. We recognize that this event may have deeply impacted many individuals such as families, friends, and the community. Many emotions may be evoked – heartache, sadness, confusion, grief, anger, or despair. We encourage everyone take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and the struggles that they may face.  As the Suicide Prevention Committee for San Mateo County, we recognize and are committed to fostering an environment of compassion, understanding, and support for those in need.

If you, or someone you care about is experiencing mental health distress or crisis, please reach out to Crisis Hotline at (650) 579 – 0350 or dial 988.

Resources are available, you are not alone and there is help available.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

  • Latest Updates
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming Regular Meeting: Tuesday, 09/03/2024 from 2pm-3pm
      In-person Meeting, Group Photo (2:30pm) & Distribution of Outreach Materials
      • San Mateo County Health, Building E, 310 Harbor Blvd, Belmont, CA 94002
    • Prior: 08/06/24 – Suicide Prevention Month Planning – Toolkit Review Suicide Prevention Resource Promotion

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

  • 09/10/24– Belmont Library, 3pm-6pm | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop
    • Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one.
    • In addition, youth-centered local organizations will be tabling with information and giveaways. Snacks will be provided.
  • 09/17/24– Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, 10am | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors
    • Join us during National Suicide Prevention month as we provide seniors with essential information and resources, to address mental health challenges and reduce the risk of suicide. Through an informative presentation, and tabling by community partners, participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.

NEWS

This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES

CRISIS RESOURCES

NON-CRISIS RESOURCES

  • BE SENSITIVE, BE BRAVE
    • This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.
  • MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
    • This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop. For more information, contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org

CALL TO ACTION!

We have the power to make a difference. By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create a world where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Here are ways you can help:

  • Actively participate in the next SPC meeting:
    • *IN-PERSON* Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, 2pm-3:00pm (Group photo at 2:30PM)
  • Invite Someone New!
    • Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization, community member to join the SPC mailing list.
  • Announcements?
    • Have an important commission meeting? Upcoming event you would like to highlight?

QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK? READY TO GET INVOLVED?
CONTACT US!

Martha Cervantes, LMFT #129448 (She/Her)
Director of StarVista Crisis Services
martha.cervantes@star-vista.org
(650) 208 – 3057

Sylvia Tang, MPP (She/Her)
Community Health Planner
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE)
stang@smcgov.org
(650) 208 – 5799

Walter Ng (He/Him)
Program Coordinator of StarVista Crisis Services
walter.ng@star-vista.org
(650) 722 – 7652

2024 Suicide Prevention Month: Love Over Loneliness

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📅  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 8-14)   
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)  

The 2024 SPM statewide theme is “Love Over Loneliness”. Our San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in January declaring loneliness a public health crisis and pledging to promote social connection in our communities. According to the 2023 San Mateo County Health and Quality of Life Survey, 45% of respondents in San Mateo County were experiencing difficulty with loneliness and isolation. 

Now more than ever it is important that we find ways to connect with one another. Know the signs, find the words, and reach out. 
 
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 SMCSuicidePrevention.com.  To help spread this message of hope, you can share our flyer.  

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Youth Leaders Share Mental Health Advice to Parents at “What I Wish My Parents Knew” Forum

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In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity’s Chinese Health Initiative partnered with Belmont, Redwood Shore, San Carlos Chinese Community  (BRSCC), and Star Vista’s Health Ambassador Youth Program to host the “What I Wish My Parents Knew” forum on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

The successful forum was led by San Mateo County youths Xin Xin Cai, Anthony Lee, and Anastasia Yang, with over 50 participants of parents, caregivers, and allies. As a way to ensure this forum was accessible to our communities, it was provided in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation.

Youth leaders addressed mental health questions using their lens of the Chinese-American culture and provided insightful advice to parents and mental health clinicians in the audience. They identified the top reasons for not wanting to share about their mental health were stigma and not wanting to worry their parents. One piece of advice offered to address this challenge was for parents and caregivers to talk to teens about their mental health in ways that support teens as independent individuals such as giving them time and space.

To learn more about the Chinese Health Initiative, visit SMCHealth.org/CHI and follow them on Facebook.

Written by Alyson Suzuki, Chinese Health Initiative Co-Chair and Kayla Tolentino, BHRS’ Office of Diversity & Equity

Take a Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training this Suicide Prevention Month #ShareHopeTogether

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 

Hello, everyone!

Have you heard of the Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training?  

“Be Sensitive, Be Brave ” is a 2-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout the mental health or suicide prevention trainings.. This workshop teaches community members to identify warning signs and  and to connect individuals to help. 

We are partnering with the San Mateo County Libraries to offer free trainings throughout this month. Visit SMCHealth.org/BSBB-Schedule to find out when is the next one! 

Events happening this week:  

💜 Sun, 9/10 – Compassion & Honesty: Working With Depressed/Suicidal Older Adults While Managing Your Own Feelings – Virtual 

💜 Mon, 9/11 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in Woodside 

💜 Tues, 9/12 – Walk of Hope Recovery Breakfast at County Center, Redwood City 

💜 Wed, 9/13 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in East Palo Alto 

💜 Fri, 9/15 – Let’s Share Hope Together: Screening “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” at San Mateo Main Library, San Mateo 

Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM. 

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  

In community,  

Sylvia Tang & Kristie Lui

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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) 

Application Now Open for 2023 September Suicide Prevention Month – Deadline 8/16

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Hello,

In addition to honoring Recovery Happens Month, San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the follow Suicide Prevention (SPM) observances.

Suicide Prevention Month (September)
National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16)
World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)

SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.

The 2023 SPM theme is #ShareHopeTogether. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. San Mateo County’s SPM will feature a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and a communication campaign. For the latest updates on SPM, visit SMCHealth.org/SPM.

There will be six $200-300 mini-grants to help fund six events or projects that support the previously mentioned theme and are under one of the below four areas to advance community resilience (more details in the application).

Celebrating and Grieving (1 mini-grantee) – September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
Community Engagement (at least 1 mini-grantee)
Personal Identity (at least 1 mini-grantee)
Learning (at least 1 mini-grantee)

If you would like to apply for above mini-grants, please complete this online form by Wednesday, August 16. If you would like to propose multiple events, please submit a separate application for each mini-grant you are applying for since they would be separate events.

Thank you for all you do to prevent suicide in our community.

Sylvia Tang (she/her)
Co-chair, Suicide Prevention Committee
Office of Diversity and Equity
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
650-208-5799
STang@smcgov.org

5/2- Suicide Prevention Messaging Matters Annual Webinar

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The San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee is hosting below event that is free and open to the public. Please help us spread the word about this opportunity!

MESSAGING MATTERS ANNUAL WEBINAR

Learn safe and effective messaging about suicide prevention

Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2023  

Time: 1:30-3:00pm

Virtual Location: Zoom Webinar. Register here: bit.ly/2023messagingmatters

Details: Please join us for this annual webinar “Messaging Matters” to learn more about safe and effective messaging about suicide prevention. Participants will learn about responsible media reporting, how to engage the news media as partners in suicide prevention, and how to create effective suicide prevention materials and talking points. Presentation will be by subject matter expert Stan Collins, Suicide Prevention Specialist with California Mental Health Services Authority Technical Assistance Team. Flyer: View here and attached.

Please help us outreach to all members of our community, especially those who communicate publicly about suicide and suicide prevention. Examples include

  • Public information officers
  • Social media managers or influencers
  • Print media professionals (newspapers, magazines, journals, newsletters)
  • Broadcast media professionals (television, radio)
  • Journalists and student journalists
  • Presenters/trainers who present on suicide and suicide prevention
2023-Safe-Messaging-FlyerDownload
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