Category Archives: Health Equity

10/10 – National Day of Prayer: Serenity for Behavioral Health & Understanding

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Join us for National Day of Prayer: Serenity for Behavioral Health & Understanding on Tuesday, 10/10 from 12pm to 2pm at 400 County Center, Redwood City!

We are ALL touched by mental illness. Only with the guidance, prayers and actions from our faith and behavioral health networks working together, will our communities reach better mental health and well-being.

At the Day of Prayer for Behavioral Health and Understanding, faith and secular leaders will join hundreds of events around the country to publicly recommit ourselves to replace misinformation, blame, fear and prejudice with truth, inclusion and love in order to offer hope and support to those most in need.

Community members, consumers, family members, faith community and behavioral health providers all welcome!

The National Day of Prayer has been observed in San Mateo County since 2016.

This event will be in-person with livestreaming. To register for the livestreaming, click here.

Flyers-National-Day-of-PrayerDownload

The Latino Collaborative Honors Diverse Community with New Name

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Hola Communidad, we have big news! As one of the Health Equity Initiatives (HEI) within San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), the Latino Collaborative is now the Latino/a/x Collaborative.

Names are more than just names. Names reflect what we stand for and who we are. Therefore, it is with great orgullo (pride) that our members and leadership share this announcement. This re-brand acknowledges and embraces the diverse gender identities within our Latinx community, promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Significantly, this shift reflects a commitment to recognizing and valuing the multifaced experience and expression of gender among and within Latinx identified individuals Latin American and Hispanic people.

Our Latino/a/x Collaborative strives to incorporate inclusive language into our communications to create an environment where everyone feels recognized, respected, and valued. We invite you to share your voice and support our efforts to uplift the voices of the Latino/a/ax community at our HEI monthly meetings. Meetings are currently the 4th Tuesday of the month from 3:30 pm to 5 pm via zoom. Additionally, BHRS clients, family members, and community members who attend an HEI meeting can receive a stipend for their time and expertise. For more information visit us at smchealth.org/latinoax Gracias!

Written by Gloria Cahuich Gonzalez, Co-Chair of Latino/a/x Collaborative

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) 

8/10 – Latino/a/x Community Assessment Report in Half Moon Bay

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Please join Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and partner agencies as they present the findings of the Latino/a/x community assessment! Attached are the flyers for the August 10th presentation. There will be refreshments before the presentation, which will include community entertainment. Please note that the event will be to give back to the community with the data the community provided for the assessment. The data presentation will be conducted in Spanish. There will be interpreter devices available for those who need it, a great opportunity to get a sense of what it’s like for communications to happen through devices! 

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Rae Abileah at rae@alasdreams.com and let her know if you need an interpreter device.

If you have any questions, please email Edith Cabuslay at ecabuslay@smcgov.org.

7/15- Heart & Soul Presents No! Not My Son + Panel

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Heart & Soul is proud to present “No! Not My Son”, an original recovery drama by Rodney E. James on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. The play examines the intersections of family trauma and co-occurring substance use in the community, specifically as it relates to our veterans. This dramatic production takes a poignant look at the highs and lows of a family and a community in the grips of drug addiction, and the toll that it takes on each person. Set in the Vietnam era, when many of our young men were returning from war with their childhood hopes and dreams shattered by addiction, Rodney tells the story of a family and community like many others then, and many others now. “No! Not My Son” speaks to our hearts in a way that is touching, thought provoking, and informative with that touch of humor that has become the trademark of playwright Rodney E. James. It is truly a play that offers a solution!

Join our Courageous Conversation! We will feature a panel discussion and Q&A to hear the voices of individuals with lived experience of mental health and recovery challenges, including playwright Rodney. They will offer their personal perspectives on mental wellness, speaking from a variety of viewpoints.

Our Resource Cafe will highlight Heart & Soul’s Partner Agencies, providing resources, support, and connection for our mental health and recovery community.

Refreshments are included with your ticket purchase. Theater location will be on your E-Ticket.

Purchase your ticket here.

Big Smiles & Beautiful Conversations at AACI and VoRSMC 23′ Juneteenth Celebration

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Thank you, all who joined us for African American Community Initiative (AACI) and Voices of Recovery San Mateo (VorSMC)’s 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 16th 2023.

Special highlights from this event include a resource fair which included or harm reduction table and Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at Stanford School of Medicine who provide health checks for the community. Musical selections were provided by Q Smith, Praise dancing performances were provided by SherOnMyPraise Ministries. and drumming provided by Onye Health and Well Being in Drumming. Thank you also Supervisor Noelia Corzo and Mayor Lisa Gauthier of East Palo Alto for attending and speaking.

The event also included a panel discussion focused on health and other topics. Panelists included Ja’Net Lawrence, Darris Young, Dwyane Aikens Jr., Bunmi Fariyike, Maximillian Bailey, Nnamdi Orakpo, MD, PhD, and Keon Pearson, MD/MBA.

This event was held virtually with approximately 130 people attending in-person and approximately 50 people attending online.

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.

PRIDE is in full effect for San Mateo County’s 11th annual pride celebration!

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On Saturday, June 10th San Mateo County celebrated its 11th PRIDE event with a fresh, new twist! This year San Mateo County had its first PRIDE parade. Starting at B street in downtown San Mateo and ending at Central Park, LGBTQIA+ community members were able to march and show their authentic selves with the likes of community organizations like the El Camino Reelers as well as a community-led marching band. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Free to be me in 2023”; which is important with the current climate. DJ China G and MC Jeremy Jones kept the crowd entertained with dance tunes and various activities including dance parties, raffles, and walking the runway. And you can’t forget the amazing community vendors that came out to feed our attendees some amazing food; including Tacos El Flamingo, Eats Meets West, Empanada King, and Mr. Softee!

Thousands of San Mateo County residents came out to celebrate, show support, and express themselves in their authentic skin. Older adults, younger generations, and everyone in between showed up and showed out for this cherished safe space. The County of San Mateo is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and the support from our residents was beautiful to see. Behavioral Health Recovery Services (i.e. Heart & Soul/ Voices of Recovery/ San Mateo Pride Center/ Etc..) were out in full effect to provide mental health and equity resources to anyone in need. San Mateo County is proud to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and are proud to have seen such a turnout at the PRIDE celebration.

Written by Kai Thornton (he/she/they), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity

Joint Health Equity Initiative Collaborative Meeting in Celebration of Juneteenth

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It gives us great pleasure to announce a wonderful collaboration!

The African American Community Initiative (AACI) and the Spirituality Initiative (SI) will hold a collaborative monthly meeting, in the community of East Palo Alto (in-person & via Zoom) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 10:30am to 2pm.

The in-person location is at Ravenswood Family Health Network in the Juanita Duncan Conference Room (1842 Bay Road, E Palo Alto).

Lunch and refreshments will be served!

Please see the above flyer for more information and how to reserve your seat if you plan to attend in-person (seating is limited).

You will need to log in separately for each meeting if you plan to participate via Zoom. For Zoom Info, email Lee Harrison at leharrison@smcgov.org.

Both meetings will have brief presentations:

  • Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE)
  • African American Community Initiative (AAC) – Adult Protective Services Presentation (Cassie Villar) and AACI Introduction and Overview
  • Spirituality Initiative (SI) – Bishop, Dr. Cleveland Prince, Senior Pastor of True Light Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto.  A discussion about “Spirituality in the African American Experience, Overcoming Struggles, Faith and Fatherhood.”

Please plan to join us, and please share this information widely in your networks!

Also join AACI and Voices of Recovery for their Juneteenth celebration on Friday, 6/16/23. More info here.

6/10 – SMC Pride Parade and Pride Celebration

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San Mateo County PRIDE Parade and Pride Celebration is 11 days away!

We hope you can join us on Saturday June 10th for the San Mateo County (SMC) Pride Parade, and after the parade come over to the SMC Pride celebration and celebrate Pride with us!! 

Friendly Reminder, if you are interested in having a contingent at the 1st Annual SMC Pride Parade, registration is currently open!! The SMC Pride Parade registration deadline is Friday June 2nd. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be a part of history and participate in the San Mateo County 1st Annual Pride Parade!

The 1st Annual SMC Pride Parade will be Saturday June 10th from 10am-11am, starting on 2nd B street and ending at San Mateo Central Park! The SMC Pride Celebration will be Saturday June 10th from 11am-5pm at San Mateo Central Park.

Registration to the Pride Parade is currently OPEN but will close at the end of the day on June 2nd.
Register Your contingent today using the link below.

https://forms.gle/Nfe8wghLqn5LcRbJ7

Let’s show up and show support in the first San Mateo County Pride Parade!!

For more info visit www.smcpridecelebration.com

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORKS!

1st-San-Mateo-County-Pride-Parade-FlyerDownload

6/16 – 2023 Juneteenth Celebration: Discovering- Recovering Our Roots

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The African American Community Initiative (AACI) and Voices of Recovery San Mateo County (VORSMC) are proud to co-host our second Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 16, 2023.

The theme of this year’s Celebration is: Discovering-Recovering Our Roots:  The Continued Journey of Black Struggle

The event will be held in-person and streamed via Facebook Live and Zoom.  Register for the event via the QR Code on the flyer or this link: AACI BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION (constantcontactpages.com) 

As our country’s newest National Holiday, Juneteenth acknowledges and celebrates the final end of institutional slavery in the United States.

This year’s event promises to be inspirational, fun and educational, with a program that includes presentations from San Mateo County Supervisor Noelia Corzo, a Proclamation presented by City of East Palo Alto Mayor Lisa Gauthier, African drumming and storytelling, a panel discussion, cultural performances, health checks (blood pressure and glucose), a photo booth, music and dinner.

Please share this event with your networks.

FINAL-Juneteenth-EventDownload
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