Category Archives: Office of Diversity & Equity

Parent Project Celebrates a Successful 2024!

Posted on by

Last Fall, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity and Equity (BHRS ODE) hosted 3 Parent Project® classes. In partnership with StarVista, we hosted on virtual English class, facilitated by Ivan Marquez and Jackie Cisneros and one virtual Spanish class facilitated by Leonela Zavalza and Karen Palomino Velazquez. This semester we also began our partnership with Community Alliance to Revitalize Our Neighborhoods (CARON), where we collaborated to host one in-person Spanish Course at the Half Moon Bay Library. We are beyond thrilled to have celebrated 61 new official Parent Project® graduates, and 13 participants, ultimately serving 74 parents and caregivers of San Mateo County!

This semester featured a lot of notable highlights for the Parent Project® program, one of them being that all of our classes received a presentation from Alcohol and Other Drug’s (AOD) department’s Dr. Ronni Brown, Alex Perez, and Gabriel Lemus. The AOD Overdose Education & Response educated parents on the dangers of fentanyl, how to recognize an overdose, how to utilize Narcan, and how to access BHRS’ substance use services. AOD even distributed Narcan and Fentanyl test strips to our Parent Project® participants. The Office of Diversity and Equity would like to thank the AOD team for supporting the parents and caregivers of San Mateo County! In addition, BHRS ODE provided our general presentation introducing BHRS, our office at ODE, the Health Ambassador Program, as well as how to access Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. For the first time in Parent Project history, we had the Health Ambassadors, Cynthia Castro and Amada Espinoza, facilitate a Know the Signs Workshop, with the support of ODE’s Health Education Associate, Maria Martinez. Know the Signs is a training where participants learn to recognize the signs of suicide in another individual, and how to approach this concern via conversation and appropriate (BHRS) resources. We are so thankful to our Health Ambassador Program for helping our Parent Project® participants to initiate their journey to becoming prospective Health Ambassadors by providing a Know the Signs workshop at one of our Parent Project classes!

Finally, thank you to our partners at StarVista for celebrating our Parent Project® graduates and participants with in-person graduations featuring family activities and holiday raffles for Parent Project® participants to enjoy. We would also like to thank CARON for their in-person graduation featuring resources tables and presentations from the Half Moon Bay Library, Sheriff’s Activity League, Coastside Hope, City of Half Moon Bay, and San Mateo County’s Office of Community Affairs, and even a special visit from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, therapy dog, Maverick!

Here at BHRS ODE, we wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you at our Spring 2025 semester of Parent Project coming soon.

Written by Nicoletta Kelleher, Parent Project Coordinator

Meet ODE’s 2024-2025 Interns!

Posted on by

The County of San Mateo’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity is happy to announce that we have two new interns for this year! Our interns are passionate, driven, and experienced in advancing equity, wellness, and prevention for culturally diverse underserved/unserved populations. Our interns and their respective work areas include: 

Michelle Armand (She/Her) – Workforce Education and Training

My name is Michelle Armand, and I’m an intern for the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) from September 2024 to June 2025. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Diverse Community Development and Leadership from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and I hold a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from UCLA.

Over my academic and career journey, I have always been driven to advance health equity—especially in terms of correcting injustices in underprivileged areas. Through my profession in healthcare, I have had the honor of serving Los Angeles County’s most underprivileged populations, therefore strengthening my resolve to guarantee fair access to high-quality treatment. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to connect that passion with the practical skills needed to make a difference in the behavioral health field, and I’m excited to contribute to the Workforce, Education, and Training (WET) program.

During my time here, I will be focusing on learning more about workforce development, cultural humility, and the intersection of mental health and equity. I’m thrilled to work with a team that’s committed to creating meaningful change, and I’m eager to both share my perspectives and gain new insights that will help me grow, not just professionally, but personally.

I’m happy to be working with impactful, empathetic, and bold collaborative team of leaders who not only provide space and listen to me and my fellow interns but also to the San Mateo community. We are working together right now to compile data on how San Mateo County could fight the present epidemic of loneliness that so many people all around are experiencing.

Sharing my ideas and learning more about what ODE has to offer to develop not only professionally but also personally will be interesting. It is an honor to help serve not only this organization but this community. Thank you all for your time and don’t forget to be kind to one another.

A fun fact about me: I’m a creative soul who loves to express myself through cooking and art.

To learn more, click here » https://www.smchealth.org/behavioral-health-staff-training-workforce-development

Frankie Anguiano (She/Her) – Suicide Prevention & Stigma Reduction

Hello! My name is Frankie, and I am an intern for the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE). I recently graduated from University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Specialization in Clinical Psychology. 

I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and I truly appreciate the diversity that comes with living here. Being immersed in such a variety of cultures has deepened my understanding and appreciation of them. 

Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable experience in roles such as a behavior specialist, eating disorder counselor, and mental health peer educator. Currently, I work full-time as a Crisis Intervention Specialist for CARES, where I assist law enforcement with mental health crises along the coast side.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new coffee spots, going to the beach, and baking.

For this internship, I’ll be focusing on suicide prevention and stigma reduction, areas I’m deeply passionate about. I’m excited to contribute to such an amazing team and continue my work in the mental health field. 

To learn more, click here » Suicide Prevention – San Mateo County Health (smchealth.org) 

About the Internship Program 
The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) Internship Program is designed to provide work opportunities and practical learning experience for undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their academic preparation and expose them to public service at the county level. This program is offered every fiscal year from September to June. Interns work 20-hours per week and are paid with a stipend funded by the Mental Health Services Act. 

About the Office of Diversity and Equity 
The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) advances health equity in behavioral health outcomes of marginalized communities throughout San Mateo County. ODE works to empower communities; influence policy and system changes; develop strategic and meaningful partnerships; and promote workforce development and transformation within the County’s behavioral health service system. 

To learn more about ODE’s work, visit  www.smchealth.org/bhrs/ode.  

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

Celebrating 15 Incredible Years of Diversity & Equity

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.  🐸❤️

Carlmont High School Paper Features Suicide Prevention Efforts in San Mateo County

Posted on by

Written by Addya Agarwal, Carlmont High School

National Suicide Prevention Month in September has inspired change throughout the community, from Carlmont High School to San Mateo County.

Multiple organizations, including the Carlmont Students Offering Support (SOS) program and the San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee, have been focusing their efforts on raising awareness and preventing suicides.

“Our goal is to reduce stigma around suicide and remove barriers that prevent access to resources. Some of the barriers include stigma and lack of information, so we really want to reduce those barriers for the community and increase residents’ connections to help,” San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee Co-Chair Sylvia Tang said.

Read the full article here: https://scotscoop.com/san-mateo-county-furthers-suicide-prevention-measures

Presenting on Culturally Infused Community Training for Suicide Prevention – Be Sensitive, Be Brave

Posted on by

Last week in Morgan Hill (9/12/2024), I attended the Santa Clara County’s Suicide Prevention Conference and participated in a presentation titled, “Increasing the Accessibility of Suicide Prevention Community Trainings via Language Translation vs. Cultural Adaptation: Lessons Learned.” The presentation was led by Dr. Joyce Chu (co-creator of Be Sensitive Be Brave training for mental health and suicide prevention: https://www.smchealth.org/bsbb) and featured community partners for Vietnamese adaptation (Dr. Kathlyn Clementelli) and Tongan adaptation (Leafa Taumoepeau and Maata Misinale. I’m so grateful for each of them!

The lessons learned were so insightful and left the audience thinking about cultural adaptations for different communities, including food, storytelling and working with trusted institutions (community center, church).

Below are links with more suicide prevention information/resources: 

September Suicide Prevention Month: https://smcsuicideprevention.com/

Suicide Prevention Program/Committee: https://www.smchealth.org/suicide-prevention

Written by Sylvia Tang (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Community Health Planner and Suicide Prevention Committee Co-Chair

2024 September Suicide Prevention Month + Week

Posted on by

It’s officially Suicide Prevention Month, and next week is Suicide Prevention Week! Let’s use this time to give people hope and the strategies we all need to prevent suicide. We want to help undo the stigma. Next week, we’ll be posting content and resources so you can know the signs and break the ice when you need to talk.

Also, check out San Mateo County’s free events throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month. They’re free and open to the public, a mix of virtual and in-person. We’d love to see you! Visit our website for more information: https://smcsuicideprevention.com

Upcoming event:
💜9/10: Communal Candle Decorating Workshop at Belmont Library

10/1 – Interfaith National Day of Prayer: You Are the Light in Loneliness & Healing

Posted on by

Join us for Interfaith National Day of Prayer on Tues, 10/1/24, 12PM-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.

For more information contact: Isaac Frederick at ifrederick@smcgov.org or Pam Ward Pious at wpam3238@gmail.com.

« Older Entries Recent Entries »