Category Archives: Mental Health/Substance Use Care

Tenth Annual Housing Heroes

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Housing Heroes Flier Pic

Safe, affordable housing is an essential part of the recovery process. Join Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and San Mateo County Supervisor, Carole Groom, on Wednesday, October 18 to honor individuals who have helped those with substance use and/or mental health issues find or keep stable housing.

Hear inspiring stories from BHRS clients about these caring and compassionate Housing Heroes who make a difference and change lives. The event will be held at the Redwood Shores Library from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

For more information see the event flier.

Questions?
Diane Dworkin (650) 363-4111
ddworkin@smcgov.org

Help Veterans In Crisis

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veteran affairs#BeThe1To remind the #Veterans and #Servicemembers in your life that you support them. 1 small act can make a big difference for those in crisis. Learn more how to support a veteran in crisis by attending the Department of Veteran Affairs Suicide Prevention Training on Friday, September 22 10-11:30am at 225 37th Avenue, San Mateo. Register by 9/18 at www.vasuicideprevention.eventbrite.com. #SMCPrevention

If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, call the 1-800-273-8255. For veterans, press 1.

Read more

BHRS Clinicians Reducing Stigma in Chinese Community

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Maureen Lin, Interface and Alice Tong, Adult Central Clinic, appeared in a live show late last night on KTSF, a local Chinese TV station. They discussed (in Mandarin) the importance of mental health and seeking help early, and addressed common cultural beliefs that prevent people asking for help.

First Chance Sobering Station and Outpatient Services

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Many have heard of StarVista’s First Chance Sobering Station. The 24-hour program is an alternative to jail for those arrested for driving under the influence or public intoxication. First Chance counselors provide assessments, case management and coping strategies for clients while they recover from intoxication.

Did you know that First Chance also offers outpatient services for clients with substance use or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders? Referrals to these services are not only provided through law enforcement, but through BHRS, residential treatment programs, hospitals and more. First Chance Outpatient Services offers assessments, individualized treatment plans, counseling and random drug and alcohol testing.

Last year First Chance helped over 2,700 clients. For more information call (650) 689-5597.StarVista Logo

Photovoice (Mental Health Awareness Month Kick-Off)

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Check out the Pop-Up Photovoices that our community made at the Mental Health Awareness Month Kick-Off event at the College of San Mateo. People wrote about their journey in behavioral health, a turning point in their life, a scar (physical or emotional), or a letter to the system.

County Officials consider $33M health care and housing pilot program

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Having a safe and secure place to live is an important part of recovery, yet finding and keeping a home challenging especially in today’s market. The County is slated to confirm the creation of the Whole Person Care pilot which takes a holistic approach, including housing, to improve the health of at-risk populations.

Whether a person is struggling with homelessness, a mental health diagnosis or a substance abuse disorder, San Mateo County health officials are looking to take a more integrative approach to improving the lives of at-risk residents.

The Board of Supervisors is slated to confirm creation of the Whole Person Care pilot Tuesday, a $33 million a year program that will draw on federal funding through 2020.

Over the coming years, the county’s Health System aims to assist 5,000 patients who are considered “high utilizers,” or those who visit an emergency room four or more times a year, achieve more stability in their lives. San Mateo is one of 18 counties throughout the state to receive federal grant funding as part of a Medi-Cal waiver allowing providers to allocate health care funds toward other services that ultimately contribute toward a patient’s success, said Peter Shih, a senior manager with the county’s Health System.

Read the full story by Samantha Weigel on the Daily Journal.

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Steering Commitee Meeting

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The MHSA Steering Committee meets twice a year during implementation of the MHSA Three-Year Plan. Our next meeting is scheduled, details below:

MHSA Steering Cmttee flyer_120716.jpg

MHSA Steering Committee
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / 2pm-3:30pm
225 37th Ave. Room 100, San Mateo, CA

Agenda items include:

  • Update on MHSA including outcomes and services provided
  • MHSA Innovations projects and evaluation
  • Workforce Education and Training sustainability planning
  • Planning for the upcoming Mental Health Services Act 3 year plan input process

Following the MHSA Steering Committee, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission will vote for opening a 30-day Public Comment period for the MHSA Annual Update starting at 3:30pm, same date and location listed above.

The meeting is open to the public. Stipends are available are for clients/consumers participating in this meeting. Language interpretation and childcare are available, please contact us to reserve these services. Light refreshments will be provided.

We are updating the membership process and recruiting new MHSA Steering Committee members.  If you are interested in joining please contact, Doris Estremera at mhsa@smcgov.org or (650) 573-2889.

*MHSA imposes a 1% tax on California personal income in excess of $1 million. The MHSA Steering Committee has the important role of making recommendations to the planning and services funded by MHSA in San Mateo County. For more information on MHSA in San Mateo County, please visit the MHSA website at smchealth.org/bhrs/mhsa.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program Fills Gap for Severely Mentally Ill Population (video)

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Scott Gruendl, Assistant Director at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, discusses the new Assisted Outpatient Treatment program also known as Laura’s Law.

Pen Voice – 263 – Scott Gruendl from Peninsula TV on Vimeo.

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program reaches out to people with a severe mental illness who are not currently connected to services and unable to live safely and stably in our community, and engages them in an array of services. Those who qualify for Assisted Outpatient Treatment services are often unable to recognize that they need help or don’t know how to get the help they need. Learn more about the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program.

Do you know someone who is “Falling Between The Cracks?”

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In many cases, our only option was to watch them fall… until now.

As a public service to mental health care and medical care providers and other interested
parties, the San Mateo County Psychological Association is pleased to host a presentation
by Terry Wilcox-Rittgers, MS, MFT, the clinical services manager of Assisted Outpatient
Treatment team (AOT) to explain Laura’s Law and this new approach to treating serious
mental health issues in our county.

October 6, 2016, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Mills Peninsula Health Center Auditorium 1, 1501 Trousdale Ave., Burlingame.

This is a free seminar and presented as a public service by the San Mateo County Psychological Association.

Help us Plan Future Substance Use Prevention Efforts

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aod-planning

Attention all community partners, advocates and champions:  Does alcohol, marijuana and/or other drug use impact your community or the communities you serve?  Help us plan for future substance use prevention efforts.

San Mateo County Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention is conducting a Strategic Planning meeting where we will be take a closer look at the factors that contribute to alcohol, marijuana, and other substance use. Ultimately, we will be identify key priorities and strategies to prevent substance use in our communities.

Agenda:

  • Introductions, Guest Speaker
  • Data Presentation- Epidemiology (What are the current trends?)
  • Causal Mapping (What factors contribute to substance use?)
  • Determine Key Priorities & Strategies (What should we do and how should we prevent substance use?)
  • Closing, Next Steps

Meeting Date/Location

Monday, September 26, 9am – 1pm
400 Harbor Blvd, Bldg. B, Belmont, Bali and Belize conference room

Please email Kathy Reyes ekreyes@smcgov.org  to RSVP for the meeting.

View the meeting flyer for more information.

Note that a second session for parents, youth and anyone else unable to attend on September 26th has been scheduled for October 19th from 5:30 – 8 pm at 225 37th Ave, Room 100, San Mateo. A separate flyer for this event will available.  Please feel free to contact Kathy Reyes ekreyes@smcgov.org  with any questions or for more information.

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