Category Archives: Health Equity Initiatives

2/15 – 2025 Black History Month Wellness Event

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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

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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!

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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

Celebrating 15 Incredible Years of Diversity & Equity

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On Friday, September 27, the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) celebrated its 15th anniversary at the South San Francisco Public Library. The event brought together 150 community members, partners, and BHRS staff to commemorate ODE’s remarkable journey. 

The evening featured cultural performances, leadership reflections, and a tribute to ODE’s ongoing impact on behavioral health in San Mateo County. A candlelight ceremony symbolized the collective effort to ignite meaningful change and foster hope and healing for all. 

Key highlights included: 

  • Cultural Performances from the nine Health Equity Initiatives, including spoken word by Allen Bustos (Amulit), a Siva Samoa performance, and dances by Tulip Dance Studio. See our agenda for the full list of performances.
  • Leadership Remarks from Dr. Jei Africa, Scott Gruendl, Louise Rogers, and Dr. Lorente-Foresti emphasizing ODE’s contributions to advancing equity and access. 
  • Special Recognition of Mental Health Services Manager Doris Estremera for her dedicated service to the team. 

ODE’s work transcends services, focusing on breaking down barriers and amplifying marginalized voices. Over the years, ODE has driven initiatives like Health Equity Initiatives, the Mental Health Services Act, and culturally informed trainings that have reshaped behavioral health care in San Mateo County. 

Thank you to everyone—past and present—who contributed to ODE’s success. We look forward to many more years of progress and partnership! 

10/26 11th Annual Sana Sana Colita de Rana

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It is that wonderful time of year! 🐸 The LC is preparing to host their annual community event to support our very diverse Latino/a/x communities. This year our theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” The event will take place on Saturday, October 26th 12:30-3:30PM at the Mervin G. Morris Boys and Girls Club, 1109 Hilton Street RWC. It is a free, family event to promote behavioral health and reduce stigma, the event will be held in Spanish.

Please help us spread the word by sharing with your clients, friends and family. If you’d like to volunteer please contact Frances Lobos at FLobos@smcgov.org for more information.  🐸❤️

ICYMI: Relive the Magic of AACI and VoRSMC’s 2024 Juneteenth

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Thank you, all who joined us for African American Community Initiative (AACI) and Voices of Recovery San Mateo (VorSMC)’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 14th, 2024!

The event included resource fair, spoken word, praise dancing, musical selections, speakers, health and wellness checks, and more! 

About African American Community Initiative
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 AACI here.

Health Ambassadors Build Connections at Mental Health Month Open Mic

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English Version below

El Pasado 11 de Mayo, El BHRS- Programa Embajador de Salud estuvo presente en el evento Conexiones que Sanan, durante el Mes de la Concientización de Salud Mental. Nuestros compañeros Embajadors Cynthia Castro, Lulu Briseño y John Butler, compartieron sus historias de recuperación ante los asistentes. John, Lulu y Cynthia nos hicieron sentir muy orgullosos, cuando escuchamos que para ellos el bienestar emocional y mental es posible cuando se busca y encuentra apoyo de individuos y organizaciones como BHRS y El Programa Embajador de Salud y otras organizaciones del Condado San Mateo, donde se aprenden herramientas para enfrentar los retos del comportamiento y las adicciones.

Lulu y John compartieron como a través de la poesía y la novela gráfica, respectivamente, han encontrado el bienestar y han apoyado a otras personas que están sufriendo. Cynthia por su parte, enfrento sus miedos y decidió a parase en el escenario y mandar un mensaje de esperanza a las mamás solteras que cuidan de niños y jóvenes con desafíos del comportamiento, además de los de ella propios. Otros BHRS- Embajador@s de Salud como Lupita Anguiano e Yrene Orué participaron en la mesa de registro. Mientras que Alma Rodriguez, Esther Gonzalez y Jose Nuñez estuvieron presentes en el evento para apoyar. El director de BHRS- Jei Africa saludó personalmente a los Embajadores y reconoció el valor de su experiencia de vida y aportaciones en la construcción de una sociedad libre de Estigma. A la foto de grupo con Dr. Africa se agregaron los Embajadores Michael Lim y Gina Olinger-Giani.

Last May 11, The BHRS-Health Ambassador Program was at the Healing Connections event during Mental Health Awareness Month. Our fellow Ambassadors Cynthia Castro, Lulu Briseno, and John Butler shared their stories of recovery with attendees. John, Lulu, and Cynthia made us feel very proud, hearing that for them, emotional and mental well-being is possible when one seeks and finds support from individuals and organizations like BHRS and the Health Ambassador Program (HAP), where one learns tools to face behavioral challenges and addictions.

Lulu and John shared how, through poetry and graphic novels, respectively, they have found wellness and supported others who are suffering. For her part, Cynthia faced her fears and decided to stand on stage and send a message of hope to single mothers who care for children and young people with behavioral challenges in addition to her own. Other BHRS-Health Ambassadors like Lupita Anguiano and Yrene Orue participated at the registration table. Alma Rodriguez, Esther Gonzalez, and Jose Nunez were present at the event to support. The Director of BHRS, Jei Africa, personally greeted the Ambassadors and recognized the value of their live experience and collaboration in building a society free of stigma. Added to the group photo were Ambassadors Michael Lim and Gina Olinger-Giani and HAP Program Coordinator Charo Martinez.

Samoan/Tongan/Pacific Islander Focused Parent Project Course at One East Palo Alto

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This semester, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity and Equity partnered with One East Palo Alto to provide an in-person Parent Project class facilitated in English with a Samoan/Tongan/Pacific Islander lens. One week ahead of Parent Project graduation, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity and Equity provided a presentation to the class highlighting how to access Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, what resources and trainings we offer at the Office of Diversity and Equity, as well as an introduction to our Health Equity Initiatives and the Health Ambassador Program.  

Our Health Education Associate and May Mental Health Month Co-Chair, Maria Martinez (she/her), co-facilitated the presentation alongside the Parent Project Program Coordinator, Nicoletta Kelleher (she/her). The Parent Project® curriculum urges the importance of parents and caregivers caring for themselves, as it is vital to support yourself so you can care for your loved ones. In an effort to brainstorm ways to support one’s mental health, Maria facilitated a May Mental Health Month self-care activity from Take Action’s “Reimagine Mental Health” Mini-Journal. As a class, we shared our “pick-me-ups” or activities we do to for self-care when we are feeling stressed. As a support group, parents and caregivers shared their favorite self-care activities that help them when they are feeling overwhelmed our stressed. Some examples included doing yoga, playing the ukulele, going for a drive, etc. Maria and Nicoletta also encouraged parents to utilize this mini journal for parents and caregivers complete these exercises with their children and loved ones as a bonding activity to do together. Maria also provided participants with the “Reimagine Mental Health” goal setting work sheets packet, to ensure participants are able to plan and monitor their mental health and self-care goals.

Thank you, Maria Martinez, for all of your efforts in spreading May Mental Health Awareness amongst our Parent Project participants! To learn more about San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity’s May Mental Health Month, visit SMCHealth.org/MHM. To access Take Action for Mental Health’s resources, please visit takeaction4mh.com/.  

This Weekend! San Mateo County’s 12th Annual Pride Celebration

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Please join us for the San Mateo County Pride Parade and Celebration, “Love at Our Core, Pride in 2024!” this Saturday June 8 at San Mateo Central Park, 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. at B Street and 2nd Avenue and end at Central Park where the Celebration will be from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Both events are open to all at no cost and are sober events. The Pride Celebration will have live entertainment, live DJ, resource and vendor booths, local food trucks, family and pet friendly activities and more.

Visit smcpridecelebration.com for more information.

Building Connections at Healing Connections Open Mic

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ICYMI: On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity partnered with the Spirituality Initiative and Voices of Recovery to host “Healing Connections” Open Mic event to honor May Mental Health Month, promoting mental and spiritual wellness. This event was sponsored by Supervisor David Canepa.

The wellness open mic event celebrates healing community connections through the sharing of collective creative expressions. As a signature event for May Mental Health Month, the event served to combat the loneliness crisis/epidemic in San Mateo County. To take action against the loneliness crisis/epidemic, our Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in January declaring loneliness a public health crisis, pledging to promote social connection in our communities. According to the 2023 San Mateo County Health and Quality of Life Survey, 45% of residents in San Mateo County residents were experiencing difficulty with loneliness and isolation. Now more than ever it is important to find ways to connect with one another and the “Healing Connections” Open Mic was a means to foster further connection within the community. Through the volunteering of San Mateo County Health Ambassadors and Voices of Recovery tabling resources to share with the community, the wellness event was able to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere.  

Healing Connections was pleased to bring together artists of various backgrounds and provide a safe space for their performances. Pam Ward Pious, Spirituality Co-Chair, graciously kicked off the event with her poetry. The event was honored to have San Mateo County Health Ambassadors John Butler and Yrene Orue share their stories and their poetry. Cinthia Castro and Lourdes Briseno, who are also San Mateo County Health Ambassadors, shared their stories and performed their pieces in Spanish. The “Healing Connections” Open Mic was also honored by the appearance and performance of San Mateo County Supervisor, Noelia Corzo, during the event. Lastly, BHRS ODE would like to provide a special thank you to Dr. Jei Africa, Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commissioners Michael Lim and Leticia Bido. 

BHRS ODE, San Mateo County Spirituality Initiative and Voice of Recovery would like to thank everyone who attended the “Healing Connections” Open Mic event. The sharing of stories and performances helped to further de-stigmatize mental health and spread awareness of May Mental Health Month, while inspiring others to share their stories; therefore, aligning with BHRS ODE’s values: 

  • Utilizing sharing stories (in this case: poems, stories, etc.) and lived experiences to reduce stigma against mental health and substance use conditions 
  • Amplify the voices of our underserved or underrepresented community members 
  • Raise awareness about how our performers shared their personal journeys to receiving Behavioral Health support. Their stories help us improve our behavioral health outcomes, making them more equitable and inclusive for all SMC community members 

BHRS ODE aspires to host a similar event in the future to be of service and to cultivate a more equitable and inclusive community for all.  

Written by Ayanna Wade, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Intern

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