Category Archives: Office of Diversity and Equity

Reflecting on Culture in the Workplace

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We are so blessed to be surrounded by a multitude of cultures, thoughts, and perspectives within our workplace. Every day we have opportunities to connect and effectively communicate when others are willing to share, and we are willing to listen. Overall, our workplace can be a great place to celebrate our cultures coming together. Here are some examples of how we can celebrate culture in the workplace!

Connection: As we continue sharing stories, experiences, and learn similarities among each other, we can connect on different levels which fosters growth within our workforce and trust within the communities we serve. For example, many cultures place heavy importance on family, particularly elders which may guide decision making. Furthermore, at times, especially when the events of the world feel darker and our hearts feel heavy, connections help draw us back to each other and to the challenges that we can only overcome together. These struggles remind us of the fragility of humanity and that work, though seemingly an isolated space, is still yet another environment where we can potentially grow and heal with others.

Communication: Communication has always been key to increased understanding, but the key to communication can differ depending on the individual and their culture. Learning about the values of our teammates and the way they work can be vital in our efforts to collaborate, achieve work goals and overcome challenges. For example, within BHRS’ Office of Diversity & Equity, our team’s simple but important discussion of love languages helps us support each other more effectively. This deeper understanding gives insight about how to lift one another up. In turn, the creation of these environments allows for a better space to be productive and progressive.

Celebration: Culture is such a great thing to celebrate! From the preservation of language, art, holidays, to traditions, our workforce represents such a range of exciting backgrounds. Each lens reflects the hearts of the individuals within our workforce and the unique perspectives that we can access as we evolve our approaches to care.

My hope is that we continue to embrace culture within the workplace, ask questions and celebrate the beauty of our melding cultures!

Written by Irene Pham (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Workforce Education & Training (WET) Training Coordinator

2/29 – Honoring our Shared Humanity: Countering Islamophobia and Antisemitism  

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Hello, 

Islamophobia and antisemitism are on the rise locally due to international events. People in our community have lost loved ones, experienced increased hate and divisiveness, and some have lost a sense of belonging and community.    

  The County of San Mateo Office of Racial and Social Justice is partnering with the Islamic Networks Group (ING), County Health’s Office of Diversity and Equity, the Spirituality Initiative, and the Peninsula Solidarity Cohort to host a webinar to increase understanding and belonging as we acknowledge the experiences of many Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab communities, among others in San Mateo County, and strive towards connecting across our shared humanity.

Zoom Webinar Event: Honoring our Shared Humanity: Countering Islamophobia and Antisemitism 
Date/Time: Thursday, February 29th, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm 
Register: http://bit.ly/smcsharedhumanity 
Interpretation Available: Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish.  

We would like to make this webinar accessible. If you have other language needs or methods that can help increase accessibility for you, please email us by 2/22: equitysmc@smcgov.org.  

The live webinar will feature Maha Elgenaidi and Karen Stiller, Muslim and Jewish speakers from the ING Interfaith Speakers Bureau, in a facilitated conversation and Q&A with Pastor Bussey, co-chair of the Peninsula Solidarity Cohort. The webinar will address the following topics: 

  • Understanding the history of Islamophobia and antisemitism and how they manifest today. 
  • How to counter both forms of bigotry. 

We hope you can join us in support of our shared humanity across all our diverse communities in San Mateo County. 

**Please note, attached are outreach materials in Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish.**

In community, 
Isaac Frederick & Pam Ward-Pious
Co-Chairs of BHRS Spirituality Initiative

Anti-Hate-Webinar-Flyer-SpanishDownload
Anti-Hate-Webinar-Flyer-ArabicDownload
Anti-Hate-Webinar-Flyer-Simplified-ChineseDownload

“My Journey, My MHSA” Campaign

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My Journey, My MHSA! Thanks to MHSA funding, our programs at Behavioral Health and Recovery Services are transforming lives in San Mateo County. Your support is what keeps us going. Let’s create a healthier community together!

What is MHSA?
The Mental Health Service Act is funded by taking one percent of the income tax paid by people who earn over $1 million each year and allocating that funding to counties to support mental and behavioral health services and programs.

Continue following us for further information about My Journey, My MHSA and its impact on our communities.

Learn more at myMHSA.org.

📷: Doris Estremera, BHRS Director of MHSA

#MHSAImpact #YourMHSAYourJourney

Survey of LGBTQIA+ Older Adults in California – Deadline 3/31

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Hello,

Attached is information on a survey that the California Department of Aging (CDA) is conducting on LGBTQ+ older adults. Survey can be found on flyer or through this link.

Please share this information with your community (the flyer has a link to the survey) and encourage folks to complete it.

Please reach out to Ranjana Maharaj, Elder Justice Specialist with CA Department of Aging with any questions at EngAGE@aging.ca.gov or 916-272-0738.

LGBTQ-Study-Flyer-1Download
Challenges-to-Resilience-Newsltr-Q124-1Download

Self-Care Everyday Series: Introduction

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Self-care has been increasing in popularity throughout the last few years, especially during the pandemic. Self-care is not just a luxury; it’s a fundamental necessity for maintaining overall well-being. It encompasses intentional actions and practices that prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. By dedicating time to self-care, you invest in yourself, fostering resilience and balance in the face of life’s challenges. 

The benefits of regular self-care are profound. Physically, it can enhance your immune system, improve sleep, and boost energy levels. Emotionally, self-care provides a vital space for reflection and relaxation, helping to manage stress and prevent burnout. Additionally, it nurtures a positive mindset, enhancing emotional resilience and fostering a greater sense of self-worth. 

Self-care encourages self-awareness and self-compassion. It empowers individuals to set boundaries, prioritize their needs, and cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves. Ultimately, practicing self-care is an investment in your long-term health and happiness, enabling you to navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and authenticity 

Though self-care comes in several different forms; however, this series will focus on physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and workplace balance with a sneak peek into how I implement these practices, so come along with me as we embark on a journey to explore new self-care tips and tricks to build a stronger body, mind and soul. Let’s transform those Self Care Sundays into healing every day! 

Written by Ayanna Wade (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Intern

Join San Mateo County’s 2024 May Mental Health Month Planning Committee!

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Update: April 18 meeting moved to May 2. See info below.

We welcome you to join our 2024 May Mental Health Month Planning Committee meetings (schedule below and in attached flyer).

Please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsfuqhqDgqGtRlg10zsFa3Aasvi2sayaqp.  

Day of the WeekDateTimeLocationFocus
ThursdayFeb 153:30-5:00pmZoomIntroduction & Measures of Success
ThursdayMarch 73:30-5:00pmZoomEvents & Advocacy
ThursdayMarch 283:30-5:00pmZoomCommunication & Outreach
ThursdayApril 18
May 2		3:30-5:00pmIn-person at 310 Harbor Blvd Bldg E, BelmontGroup Photo + Outreach Materials
ThursdayJune 63:30-5:00pmZoomDebrief and Appreciation

All except one of our meetings is scheduled to meet virtually. Please see above for details. You can find agenda, minutes and recordings at this website. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, please let us know. We plan to share the meeting recordings and minutes in case anyone wants to catch up or review the meetings. Contact us for questions, comments and suggestions.

Please help us share this message or attached flyer on social media to help us spread the word.

Looking forward to collaborating with you!
Sylvia & Kristie
Co-Chairs, May Mental Health Month Planning Committee Meeting

2024-May-Mental-Health-Planning-Committee-Flyer-Download

2024 Spring Parent Project Classes are Here!

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Hi, all,

I am excited to announce that the Parent Project® Spring 2024 semester is finally here! Please help spread the word about our Spring 2024 semester by sharing the flyers attached below with your networks and referring your clients to our classes. This semester will feature one virtual English class, beginning on Wednesday, February 28th, and one in-person Spanish class beginning on Thursday, February 29th. Please see the attached flyers for more information. We are expecting to provide more classes beginning in March, so please keep an eye out for my emails in the coming months for more class updates!

Community members can refer to the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity’s Parent Project® webpage for more information on our upcoming classes, the all-class flyer, and more. If community members prefer other Parent Project® class options, they can refer to the main Parent Project® website to find virtual or in-person classes in their area.  

If you would like to learn more about the Parent Project® program, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via my email or phone number at nkelleher@smcgov.org or (650) 649-8411. 

Wednesday-Spring-2024-English-Virtual-ClassDownload
Thursday-Spring-2024-Spanish-In-Person-ClassDownload

Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti Inducted into the 35th SMC Women’s Hall of Fame

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BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity’s very own Maria Lorente Foresti has been selected among six women to be inducted into the 35th San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame. More information in press release below.

We would be honored if you are available to attend the ceremony. Event details below.

San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame and Young Women of Excellence Ceremony
Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 4-6pm PST
Location: Skyline College – Farallon Room, 3300 College Dr Building 12 (Farallon Room) San Bruno, CA 94066
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-womens-hall-of-fame-registration-790304019597?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come join us to celebrate Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti on International Women’s Day!

Press release: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/six-be-inducted-35th-san-mateo-county-womens-hall-fame

*Updated* San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Cultural Competence Plan

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Each year the State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requires county mental health departments to develop a Cultural Competence Plan (CCP) as per the DHCS Cultural Competence Plan Requirements (CCPR) intended to move toward the reduction of mental health service disparities and works toward the development of the most culturally and linguistically competent programs and services to meet the needs of California’s diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural communities in the mental health system of care. At San Mateo County (SMC) BHRS we have tied this requirement to the paths we take to support our workforce, our CBO’s and those we serve.

Find our updated SMC BHRS Cultural Competence Plan 22-23 Annual Summary below.

Learn more about the Cultural Competence Plan here.

SMC_BHRS_cultural_competency_plan_22-23_updates_FINALDownload

Meet Our New Health Equity Initiative Coordinator, Tia Bell! 

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Please join us in welcoming Tia Bell (she/her) as BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity’s new Health Equity Initiative (HEI) Coordinator!

Tia (she/her) is trained as a psychologist and spent the last 14 years providing culturally congruent and trauma-informed clinical care to marginalized folx in community-based organizations. In her quest for providing wellness from a culturally sound, affirming, and inclusive lens, Tia is earnestly passionate about developing relationships and motivated to make lasting community connections grounded in safety and trust. In her free time, she enjoys painting by numbers, playing with her plants, and spending time with her husband and her dog, Domino.

Fun Fact: Tia has 8 siblings; She is number 7 out of 8. 

About her work: The HEIs work collaboratively to bring together mental health professionals, residents, clinicians, organizations, community members, and stakeholders to provide outreach, programs, and advocacy for community-driven solutions that are rooted in cultural humility practices. 

Learn more about the Health Equity Initiatives here. 

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