Category Archives: San Mateo County

Board of Supervisors Special Meeting Tomorrow, 10/28

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The Board of Supervisors want to hear from you at a special meeting! What qualities do you want to see in the next Sheriff serving our community? How should the next Sheriff be selected?
Participate in-person or online. Find agenda and zoom information here when published at least 24 hours prior to meeting: https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx💬 To share your input with the Board, please participate during the public comment period in person, via Zoom, or by emailing boardfeedback@smcgov.org.

La Junta de Supervisores quiere escuchar su opinión en una reunión especial.

  •  ¿Qué cualidades desea ver en el próximo Alguacil que prestará servicio a nuestra comunidad?
  • ¿Quién será nuestro próximo Alguacil?

Participe en persona o en línea. Encuentre la agenda y la información de Zoom aquí, cuando se publique al menos 24 horas antes de la reunión: https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

💬 Para compartir su opinión con la Junta, participe durante el período de comentarios públicos en persona, a través de Zoom o enviando un correo electrónico a boardfeedback@smcgov.org

县监事会想在特别会议上听听您的意见！

·        我们下一任警长应该具备哪些特质？

·        下一任警长应该如何选出？可亲自或在线参与。会议议程及Zoom资料将于会议前至少24小时公布，请在此查阅:https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

10/11/25 – Interfaith National Day of Prayer: Pour Out to Your Higher Power of Hope and Be Filled

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On behalf of the Spirituality Initiative of San Mateo County, we are excited to invite you to our 10th Annual Interfaith National Day of Prayer 2025 at Woodside Road United Methodist Church (2000 Woodside Road, Redwood City), on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. 

Previously held in the San Mateo County Courthouse Courtyard, this year, we move indoors to provide an increased sense of safety and security in these sensitive times. The congregation of Woodside Road United Methodist Church welcomes the opportunity to host a powerful multifaith, multicultural event, centered on the theme “Pour Out to Your Higher Power of Hope and be Filled.”

We are ALL touched by behavioral health challenges, in our lives, often in our families, and certainly in our community. This event brings together diverse people of faith who will join countless others across the country in a national act of defiance for the status quo, surrender, unconditional love, and radical acceptance. We would be honored to have your Health Equity Initiative provide a resource table at the event. We believe that your services are essential to our community and directly align with our mission of providing hope and support through spirituality. Having your Health Equity Initiative present will provide attendees with direct access to vital behavioral health and wellness resources, reinforcing our message of prioritizing faith in one’s journey to wellness and recovery. Your presence would be essential to the spirit and success of this event, and we hope that you can join us.

Please extend a warm invitation to family, friends, and peers.

Sadly, this year’s Interfaith National Day of Prayer may be the last major affirmative act of the Spirituality Initiative, as San Mateo County funding through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) is set to change in July 2026, making your presence and contribution especially meaningful. 

More info at https://www.smchealth.org/dayofprayer

Congratulations to our 2025 George Culores Hall of Fame Recipients!

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Congratulations to Renee Harris and Jo Padilla for being San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ 2025 George Culores Hall of Fame recipients! This award recognizes consumer/clients who have made contributions to better the lives of other consumer/clients; shown leadership in the consumer movement or have a personal journey of recovery that inspires and gives hope to others.  

This award was named after San Mateo resident George Culores who worked diligently for many years giving back to the San Mateo County mental health communities.

About the recipients:

Renee Harris 

Renee Harris is a mother, suicide survivor, Peer Support Specialist, and Lived Experience Academy graduate. She has been an active member of the Suicide Prevention Committee in San Mateo County. Renee is well qualified for this recognition and honor because, with all her roles and for about 15 years, she continues to transform her trauma into awareness, inspiration and care for other clients/consumers and community members of San Mateo County. Renee’s lived experience, compassion and purpose-driven passion has helped countless clients/family members and community members find their own path to hope, recovery and healing. 

Joana ‘Jo’ Padilla 

Jo has displayed exemplary leadership by completing the Lived Experience Academy that she later helped co-facilitate as well as speaking at the Board of Supervisors and other San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services events, participating in Health Equity Initiatives, working towards her Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification, volunteering with behavioral health community organizations and being a role model for other Behavioral Health & Recovery Services clients and family members. 

To learn more about the Behavioral Health Commission Awards, visit https://www.smchealth.org/general-information/bhc-awards

Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – March 2025

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The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Latest Updates

  • Suicide Prevention Committee is working on three projects. Each project addresses one of the goals prioritized for 2025. More details in next SPC meeting.
    • GOAL 1: Enhance Visible Leadership and Networked Partnerships 
    • GOAL 2: Increase Development and Coordination of Suicide Prevention Resources  
    • GOAL 3: Advance Data Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming Meeting: Tuesday, 03/04/2025 1:30pm – 3pm
      • Topic: Resource Flyer, “I Am Suicide Prevention” Video Series and Volunteer Opportunities
    • Prior Meeting: Tuesday, 01/07/2025 1:30pm – 3pm
      • Topic: Resource Flyer
  • 2025 Meeting Schedule

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

Pacific Islander Initiative of San Mateo County Presents: Adult Health First Aid Certification
(https://smcbhrsblog.org/2025/02/13/3-22-adult-mental-health-first-aid-hosted-by-pacific-islander-initiative/)

This important session will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical skills to support someone who may be facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.

The training covers the initial steps to take when you encounter someone in need and provides you with effective tools to help navigate these situations with confidence and care.

It’s a great opportunity to learn how to provide the right support when it’s needed most.

Registration link: bit.ly/MHSA-TCIP
Le Maota, 833 Mahler Road, Burlingame, CA
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
9am – 6pm

Read more

Storytelling Program Relaunches with a Focus on Housing

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The Storytelling Photovoice Program kicked off their re-launch session with a Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity’s (BHRS ODE) Photovoice Housing Project. The ODE Storytelling Program empowers community members to share their stories of recovery and wellness to heal and to address issues within their communities. Through the Photovoice sessions, participants highlighted housing inequities and were able to amplify their experiences while narrating the barriers associated with loss of housing, their journey towards receiving housing, or how not having housing has impacted their everyday lives. In doing this, participants shared their personal stories, as well as their journey to recovery with mental health and substance use challenges and how this creates additional barriers in obtaining stable housing. 

The four-part training was hosted by BHRS’ Senior Community Housing Specialist and BHRS ODE’S African American Community Initiative’s (AACI) co-chair Lee Harrison and ODE’s longstanding BHRS Health Ambassador, John Butler. Our facilitators fostered a safe and supportive environment for participants and encouraged folx to tell their stories from their own personal lens – an opportunity not many community members have. On the fourth session, or graduation day, participants invited guests to view the group’s final Photovoice projects. In addition, we were joined by housing experts, Kelsey Dattilo the BHRS Housing Programs Supervisor and BHRS Housing Programs Manager, Mariana Rocha, on our graduation for our final Photovoice gallery viewing!  

According to our viewer data, all of our guests strongly agreed that as a result of viewing these Photovoices, they learned how mental health and substance use condition impact lives. Additionally, all guests strongly agreed that as a result of viewing the Photovoice’s, they plan to act in ways that are more supportive of people with behavioral health challenges. Finally, all of our guests strongly agreed that sharing stories through the Photovoice project can inspire other community members to do the same. 

Keep an eye out for these Housing Photovoice projects as we will be displaying them across BHRS sites and clinics. To learn more about the Storytelling Photovoice program or to host a session amongst your clients or team, please reach out to the Storytelling Program Coordinator, Nicoletta Kelleher! Stay tuned for more Photovoice projects!  

Written by Nica Kelleher, Program Coordinator at Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity

Next MHSA Steering Committee – Thursday, December 5th 3-4:30pm

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Our next MHSA Steering Committee meeting is on Thursday, December 5th. Please note that this is a hybrid meeting. For those who want to join in person, we will be meeting at the San Mateo Library (55 W 3rd Ave in San Mateo). The Zoom link is included below if you prefer to join virtually and the phone line for those conferencing in. 

Meeting flyer is attached. The latest information for MHSA can always be found on the MHSA website, http://www.smchealth.org/MHSA, under the “Announcements” tab.

Proposed Agenda:

  • Announcements:
    • MHSA Program Outcomes Workgroup
    • BHSA (Prop 1) Transition Next Steps
  • San Mateo County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)

Meeting Details: 

San Mateo Library, Laurel Room, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89224214146   

Dial in: +1 669 900 6833 / Mtg ID: 892 2421 4146

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.  🐸❤️

Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – August 2024

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The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

  • Latest Updates
    • SMC Suicide Prevention Committee Special Session
      • Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
      • Topics
        • San Mateo County Mobile Crisis Response Team presentation of crisis response
        • Suicide Prevention Month planning
      • Agenda
        • Q&A of crisis mobile Response Team presentation from1:15pm -1:45pm
        • Suicide Prevention Month planning from 1:45pm – 2:15pm
      • Registration Link
    • September 2024 Suicide Prevention Month Mini-Grant Application
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming: 08/06/24 – Suicide Prevention Month Planning – Toolkit Review Suicide Prevention Resource Promotion
    • Prior: 07/02/24 – Updates on suicide prevention resource website/ flyer and start planning for September Suicide Prevention Month

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

  • 09/10/24
    • SAVE THE DATE
    • Further information TBD
    • In collaboration with Cloud Bell of the San Mateo County Library to facilitate World Suicide Prevention Day

NEWS

This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES

CRISIS RESOURCES

NON-CRISIS RESOURCES

  • BE SENSITIVE, BE BRAVE
    • This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.
  • MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
    • This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop. For more information, contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org

CALL TO ACTION!

We have the power to make a difference. By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create a world where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Here are ways you can help:

  • Actively participate in the next SPC meeting:
    • Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, 1:30pm-3:00pm
  • Invite Someone New!
    • Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization, community member to join the SPC mailing list.
  • Announcements?
    • Have an important commission meeting? Upcoming event you would like to highlight?

QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK? READY TO GET INVOLVED?
CONTACT US!

Martha Cervantes, LMFT #129448 (She/Her)
Director of StarVista Crisis Services
martha.cervantes@star-vista.org
(650) 208 – 3057

Sylvia Tang, MPP (She/Her)
Community Health Planner
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE)
stang@smcgov.org
(650) 208 – 5799

Walter Ng (He/Him)
Program Coordinator of StarVista Crisis Services
walter.ng@star-vista.org
(650) 722 – 7652

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.

What Are Your Lime Green Flags? Join the social media challenge!

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Hello,

You’ve heard of red flags and green flags.. In the WAYLGF challenge, we are asking people what are their lime green flags. Lime green flags refer to practices or actions that help people be mentally healthy. The challenge name is a play on the national color for mental health awareness which is lime green!

Featured in this video: Dr. Jei Africa (he/him), Director of San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services

Follow SMCHealth’s Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our challenge!

Events happening this week:
💚 5/21: Parent Collaboration- Mental Health in our Community, Pescadero
💚 5/21: Breathwork, Redwood City Public Library
💚 5/22: Essence of Mana Village Walk, Elks Lodge in SSF
💚 5/23: Soul Soup w/ Amber Hines, Brisbane Library

For our full list of free and public events and mental health resources, visit SMCHealth.org/MHM.

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