Category Archives: Health Equity

2/21- 2026 Black History Month Educational Experience

Posted on by Leave a comment

Mark your calendars! African American Community Initiative (AACI) is hosting their 2026 Black History Month celebration! This year’s event will be an educational experience: a tour of the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City. 

Registration is required for this event. See more info below. 

Date: Sat, 2/21/26
Time: 12:00PM- 3:00PM PST
Location: Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center (890 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City)
Contact: Dee Pennix at AACIInitiative@gmail.com

Media Notice: 

This event will have photography and videography. Your entrance into the event area constitutes your full consent to being filmed and photographed by the County of San Mateo. The County of San Mateo reserves the right to use any photography or film taken in the event area
without providing compensation to you. Such use by County may include, but is not limited to, postings to social media or websites, and/or use in promotional or informational materials in any medium.

You agree to release and discharge the County of San Mateo, its agents, representatives, assigns, and licensees from all claims, demands, and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the use of your likeness.

Alternatively, if you wish to participate/attend the event, but do not wish to have your photograph used in accordance with the above notice, please contact an Event Organizer. 

Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026BHM

About AACI:

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.
 
Learn more about their work here. 

Celebrating 100 Messengers of Hope at the BHRS Health Ambassador Graduation

Posted on by Leave a comment

On December 12, 2025, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) celebrated a major milestone at the BHRS Health Ambassador Program (HAP) graduation. Guided by the theme “10 Years of Connection, Trust, and Healing — 100 Messengers of Hope,” the event honored a decade of community-led impact and the largest graduating class in the program’s history.

More than 200 community members, clients, partners, and BHRS staff gathered to celebrate this achievement. With the addition of this cohort, the Health Ambassador Program has surpassed 100 graduates—each one a trusted messenger of hope who bridges systems and communities. Health Ambassadors support individuals, families, and the behavioral health workforce by sharing culturally responsive information, expanding awareness of services, strengthening pathways into behavioral health careers, and connecting people to care throughout San Mateo County.

Data from the Health Ambassador Program year-end report, fiscal year 24-25, reinforces what was felt throughout the celebration. Health Ambassadors consistently report increased confidence, deeper knowledge of behavioral health, and a greater ability to support others in navigating care. Ambassadors most frequently connect people to BHRS clinics and trusted community-based organizations, settings known for accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and community trust. Each Ambassador represents countless conversations, referrals, and moments of support that strengthen the county’s behavioral health ecosystem.

For ten years, the Health Ambassador Program has centered lived experience, cultural humility, and community voice—empowering participants to develop leadership skills, reduce stigma, advocate for wellness, and foster healing through connection. As systems continue to evolve, Health Ambassadors remain essential partners in behavioral health transformation, offering early support, promoting dignity, and ensuring care is navigated with understanding and compassion.

Congratulations to the newest class of BHRS Health Ambassadors and thank you to all who have been part of this ten-year journey. Your voices matter. Your leadership matters. And your impact continues to grow—rippling hope, trust, and healing throughout our communities.

Hispanic Heritage Photovoices Displayed at Sana Sana Colita de Rana Event

Posted on by Leave a comment

Beginning on September 22nd and finishing on October 20th, the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity launched their 4-part Hispanic Heritage Photovoice series. This series celebrates Hispanic Heritage month by sharing how one’s family traditions, stories, and/or values connect an individual to their Hispanic heritage. This Photovoice series was particularly impactful because it was our first Spanish Photovoice since the re-launch of Photovoice in 2025. This series was facilitated by our longstanding community partner, Jose Luis Aguirre, who also facilitates our Spanish Parent Project courses. In addition, this series was very important for our Health Ambassador Program as it served as the final course (5 out of the 11 training offerings) for our prospective Health Ambassadors to become official Health Ambassadors. During graduation, we had family guests join and view the final Photovoices.

Now more than ever, it is vital that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage and culture to honor the importance that cultural values and identity plays in one’s behavioral health. For this reason, on Saturday, November 15th, we displayed these Photovoices at our 12th annual Sana Sana Colita de Rana event hosted by our BHRS ODE Health Equity Initiative, Latino/a/x Collaborative. Translated in English and Spanish, the Photovoices successfully promoted the Latino/a/x Collaborative’s mission to enhance health and wellness within the Latino/a/x community in San Mateo County. These final projects were displayed at the event, amplifying Hispanic Heritage while decreasing the stigma associated with seeking behavioral and recovery services and sharing lived experiences.

Written by Nicoletta Kelleher (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity

SAVE THE DATE: 11/20- 2025 Transgender Day of Remembrance

Posted on by


Please save the date for the 2025 Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on 11/20/25 from 5:30PM-7:30PM at South San Francisco’s Park and Recreation Center (33 Arroyo Dr, SSF). More details about how to RSVP coming soon. 

TDOR has traditionally been about honoring the trans people who have been murdered simply by being themselves (the highest number are Black Transgender women). We want to honor victims’ lives with dignity and end the stigma that trans and gender diverse people face. Ultimately, we want to live in a world where transgender people are protected and safe from transphobia and violence.

TDOR 2025 FlyerDownload

10/11/25 – Interfaith National Day of Prayer: Pour Out to Your Higher Power of Hope and Be Filled

Posted on by

On behalf of the Spirituality Initiative of San Mateo County, we are excited to invite you to our 10th Annual Interfaith National Day of Prayer 2025 at Woodside Road United Methodist Church (2000 Woodside Road, Redwood City), on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. 

Previously held in the San Mateo County Courthouse Courtyard, this year, we move indoors to provide an increased sense of safety and security in these sensitive times. The congregation of Woodside Road United Methodist Church welcomes the opportunity to host a powerful multifaith, multicultural event, centered on the theme “Pour Out to Your Higher Power of Hope and be Filled.”

We are ALL touched by behavioral health challenges, in our lives, often in our families, and certainly in our community. This event brings together diverse people of faith who will join countless others across the country in a national act of defiance for the status quo, surrender, unconditional love, and radical acceptance. We would be honored to have your Health Equity Initiative provide a resource table at the event. We believe that your services are essential to our community and directly align with our mission of providing hope and support through spirituality. Having your Health Equity Initiative present will provide attendees with direct access to vital behavioral health and wellness resources, reinforcing our message of prioritizing faith in one’s journey to wellness and recovery. Your presence would be essential to the spirit and success of this event, and we hope that you can join us.

Please extend a warm invitation to family, friends, and peers.

Sadly, this year’s Interfaith National Day of Prayer may be the last major affirmative act of the Spirituality Initiative, as San Mateo County funding through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) is set to change in July 2026, making your presence and contribution especially meaningful. 

More info at https://www.smchealth.org/dayofprayer

2025 Black History Month Wellness Event Pays Homage to Ancestors

Posted on by

On Saturday, February 15th, the African American Community Initiative (AACI) celebrated their 7th annual Black History Month celebration at Eastside College Preparatory Academy in East Palo Alto. This event paid homage to the African American/Black ancestors, specifically highlighting African Americans devout contributions to our American history through labor (the national theme was “African Americans & Labor: Paying homage to our ancestors”). The event featured guest presentations from our newest San Mateo County Board Member, Lisa Gauthier, who represents District 4 (East Palo Alto), Behavioral Health, and Recovery Services (BHRS) Director, Dr. Jei Africa, and BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity Director, Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti. Attendees were provided history about African American/Black representation in predominately white work fields, as seen in the video by Misty Copeland, who shared her lived experiences as a Black Principal Ballet Dancer. In addition, attendees learned about the Port Chicago explosion in Suisan Bay and the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black female unit of the United States Army during World War II. Finally, the event celebrated the work of Maurice Goodman, the President of the San Mateo County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) – the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States!

AACI closed out the event with an introduction to the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center in Redwood City, as well as providing some trivia and raffles to the community; all questions related to African American/Black individuals who contributed to American history and those who contributed to San Mateo County workforce. By celebrating Black History, AACI aims to reduce behavioral health treatment disparities, support an inclusive and welcoming environment for our clients and workforce and reduce the stigma around behavioral health challenges with the intention of creating more equitable behavioral health outcomes for our African American and Black community. The African American Community Initiative would like to thank all their guests and presenters for coming together and rejoicing in African American/Black History through music, community resources, speakers, and guest presenters. The African American Community Initiative hopes to see you all for their next event in June for Juneteenth!

To learn more about the African American Community Initiative, or to become a member, click here!

2/15 – 2025 Black History Month Wellness Event

Posted on by

Mark your calendars! African American Community Initiative (AACI) is hosting their 2025 Black History Month Wellness Event celebration! This is a free community event promoting arts and wellness for African Americans. Expect live music, resource fair, speakers, and health & wellness checks. 

Date: Sat, 2/15/25
Time: 1:00PM- 4:00PM PST
Location: Eastside College Preparatory School (1041 Myrtle Street, East Palo Alto)
Contact: Dee Pennix at AACIInitiative@gmail.com

About AACI:

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.
 
Learn more about their work here. 

14th Annual Turkey Trot: Bringing Together Physical and Behavioral Health

Posted on by

Over 180 attendees joined Samoan Solutions and Pacific Islander Initiative in celebrating their 14th Annual 5K Turkey Trot this past weekend! Held on Saturday, 11/16/24, the event brought the community together to run the Turkey Trot to promote physical activity and wellness during the holiday season. In addition to the 5K run/walk, the event offered a variety of physical and behavioral health resources including Naloxone boxes for opioid prevention, Pacific Islander suicide prevention resources, an on-site chiropractor, free Hep B testing, and more! Since it’s inception this event has served as a space where participants can connect with health and social services, as well as Pasifika businesses, and the community. 

The Turkey Trot featured several categories, including adult, youth, and team groupings where winners were awarded a $20 gift card. The event provided a fun and inclusive atmosphere, warmly welcoming participants of all ages – even their four-legged family members.  

The Pacific Islander Initiative co-hosted the event and shared a variety of Pacific Islander focused resources including Pacific Islander suicide prevention cards, Know Your Rights cards in Tongan, and Pacific Islander Initiative brochures.  

Thank you to those who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you again next year! 

To learn more about our Health Equity Initiative, visit here. 
To learn more about our Pacific Islander Initiative, visit here. 

Kapwa Kultural Center Officially Opens!

Posted on by

The Kapwa Cultural Center (KKC), an important cultural resource to the Filipinx community, opened on October 25th, 2024, in Daly City. This space is dedicated to cultural connection, healing, and community engagement. KKC is funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation funds and supported by San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), the Filipino Mental Health Initiative (FMHI) and Daly City Partnership. Together, these programs are committed to promoting behavioral health wellness, cultural awareness, and social inclusivity through this innovative new space.

Rooted in the Filipinx value of kapwa, which means “shared self” or “interconnectedness with others,” KKC aims to foster a strong sense of community, solidarity, and mutual care. KKC will serve as a dynamic cultural hub where community members can gather, learn, and celebrate Filipinx and diverse cultural traditions with a focus on wellness and healing. It will also open its social enterprise arm next year. With a boba milk tea menu inspired by Filipinx cuisine and flavors, as well as a space designed for events, art, and discussion, the Kapwa Cultural Center offers a warm and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds can come together to exchange stories, ideas, support, and healing.

In addition to its role as a cultural space, KKC will be a dedicated venue for culturally focused behavioral health events, wellness workshops, art exhibits, and community discussions. Through these activities, KKC supports the well-being of individuals and strengthens cultural pride while addressing issues of stigma and barriers to mental health services. BHRS is proud to support the space and support the expertise in culturally responsive behavioral health practices and infusing these important components to KKC’s programming, creating a space that honors and centers Filipinx voices while welcoming diverse communities.

The space will also host a variety of community-led events, including cultural performances, storytelling nights, cooking classes, and wellness activities such as healing circles, all aimed at fostering cultural pride, cross-generational connections, and unity. With its commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting well-being, the Kapwa Cultural Center stands as a powerful example of how community, culture, and behavioral health can come together to create a more inclusive, compassionate society. It is not just a café but a vital resource for behavioral health, cultural connection, and shared identity that will serve as a vibrant gathering place for all.

For more information, please contact kapwasoul@gmail.com

12/3 – Queering the Season: Mental Health Tools for Holiday Peace Workshop

Posted on by

Hi Community Partners and Collaborators,

I hope this email finds you all well. I am super excited to share with you an upcoming event that CORA’s LGBTQ+ Program and the San Mateo County Pride Center are collaborating on. Please share with your teams and within your circles as you see fit. I hope to see some of you there! All ages are welcome.

Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd from 6 – 7:30 pm for our Queering the Season: Mental Health Tools for Holiday Peace Workshop here at CORA in the Carelle Training Room (2205 Palm Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403). Are you concerned about preparing for and navigating the stress of the upcoming holidays? Are you hoping to generate a list of personalized coping tools for yourself to utilize during the holiday season and beyond? Join us for our upcoming holiday coping tool workshop to learn more about taking care of our internal and external being! We will take the time to create a list of our own coping tools and comforts and make bracelets/keychains as a token to remember. This event is created specifically for LGBTQIA+ identifying folks.

Please RSVP here https://forms.gle/qVai4c8fuSfxdd8m6

« Older Entries