BHRS Bids Farewell to Alejandra Siroka and Wishes Success On Her Next Chapter

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On Thursday, April 27th, 2023, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS)hosted the all-staff mandatory Working Effectively with Limited English Proficient Clients & Interpreters in the Behavioral Health Setting training in person for the first time in 3 years! This learning opportunity is integral in engaging workforce members in the current utilization, needs, and importance of interpretation services offered by BHRS. Our language access services assist in reducing the risk of misunderstanding and misdiagnosis and supporting the building of a strong therapeutic alliance with those we serve.

This training was also the last training facilitated by our longtime partner and collaborator Alejandra Siroka of Language Alchemy. Alejandra has worked with BHRS since 2009 to advance language access services by supporting our staff in working with diverse clients and utilizing interpretation services appropriately with a focus on cultural humility. Her work has been essential in our advancement of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS), shaping our BHRS culture to always strive for more equitable services and practices. In addition to providing our staff with practical tools, scenarios, and a historical perspective on the use of interpreters, Alejandra helped us to look deeper into the meaning of culture and how it shapes our communication styles and thought patterns. Thanks to her collaboration with the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), this training was continuously tailored and focused on the specific needs and demographics of San Mateo County. Additionally, in 2018, she supported ODE with the creation of training videos that are the first of their kind nationally and exemplify the use of interpreters specifically in behavioral health settings. While we’re incredibly sad to lose Alejandra as a facilitator, we’re so excited for the next chapter in her journey. Alejandra is shifting to support broader communication needs via hosting a podcast and working on a book that will be published in 2024 focused on compassionate communication!

For BHRS, this training will continue to be offered twice a year and required as part of our cultural competence trainings. Our next training is expected to be offered in Fall 2023; more information will be shared as specifics are confirmed.

Please join us in wishing her much success in her future endeavors!

To learn more about Alejandra’s work and podcast, please visit www.languagealchemy.com

For more information on Language Access Services click here or contact Frances Lobos at flobos@smcgov.org.

Written by Frances Lobos, Community Health Planner at BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity

Heart & Soul: What’s New in May

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Please Join Us for Wellness This Week!

Heart & Soul offers In-Person and Virtual community wellness activities, support groups, and events in Burlingame, Daly City, and San Mateo. Activities are free of charge and are open to all residents of San Mateo County. For information & updates, visit www.heartandsoulinc.org

Community Drop-In Center Location: 1633 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 258,Burlingame, CA 94010  
Please Join Heart & Soul in May to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month 2023 and to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

New this Month…
– Every Monday: Virtual Drop-In Hours 4:00 – 6:00 pm
– Tuesday, May 23: New WRAP Support Virtual Group 3:30 – 5:00 pm
– Every Wednesday: Virtual Drop-In Hours 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
– Wednesday, May 17: Open House 3:00 – 6:00 pm Highlighting speakers from the AAPI Community with lived experience of mental health challenges
– Every Thursday: Total Wellness Online 11:00 am
– Friday, May 19: New Online Group “Virtual Open House” 7:00 pm

Click Here for Printable PDF of Weekly Schedule with Zoom Links

Help Improve BHRS Communications!

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Greetings from San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health & Recovery Services(BHRS)!

We are looking to improve the information we share about BHRS events, programs, new initiatives and other behavioral health news.  If you are a client/family member, peer, community member, BHRS staff, contracted agency, or a partner or supporter San Mateo County behavioral health services, this survey is for you and we would love your input!  The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Currently, our main formats for BHRS updates include the monthly BHRS Director’s Update and the BHRS Blog. We are looking for your thoughts on these formats and any other ideas you may have to help us improve our communication efforts.  

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BHRSCommunication

Please don’t wait, the survey will close on May 22nd

We thank you for your continued partnership in this important work we all do for our loved ones and community.

5/2- Suicide Prevention Messaging Matters Annual Webinar

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The San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee is hosting below event that is free and open to the public. Please help us spread the word about this opportunity!

MESSAGING MATTERS ANNUAL WEBINAR

Learn safe and effective messaging about suicide prevention

Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2023  

Time: 1:30-3:00pm

Virtual Location: Zoom Webinar. Register here: bit.ly/2023messagingmatters

Details: Please join us for this annual webinar “Messaging Matters” to learn more about safe and effective messaging about suicide prevention. Participants will learn about responsible media reporting, how to engage the news media as partners in suicide prevention, and how to create effective suicide prevention materials and talking points. Presentation will be by subject matter expert Stan Collins, Suicide Prevention Specialist with California Mental Health Services Authority Technical Assistance Team. Flyer: View here and attached.

Please help us outreach to all members of our community, especially those who communicate publicly about suicide and suicide prevention. Examples include

  • Public information officers
  • Social media managers or influencers
  • Print media professionals (newspapers, magazines, journals, newsletters)
  • Broadcast media professionals (television, radio)
  • Journalists and student journalists
  • Presenters/trainers who present on suicide and suicide prevention
2023-Safe-Messaging-FlyerDownload

StarVista Teen Crisis Services Expanding

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🎉 As of March 27th, 2023, Teen Crisis Services, StarVista’s text line and online chat for youth and young adults 13+, will be available Monday to Friday, 4pm – 10pm PST. 

📱 Teen Crisis Services can be accessed by texting (650)747–6463 or visiting their website during hours of operation.

Many of you have firsthand knowledge of challenges that adolescents may face in their academic and personal lives. We know that peer-based support can be a powerful tool in helping students feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Adolescents can chat confidentially with trained peer counselors under Crisis Center staff supervision. While mainly focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention, teens can also talk about school stress, relationship issues, and mental health challenges. Services are free, safe, and confidential.  

You can print and display the attached flyer in your office, window, or on your walls to help youth in San Mateo County know this service is available.

Thank you for your commitment to supporting the well-being of adolescents!

For more information and updates visit our website at www.sanmateocrisis.org.

Jackie Speier Collaborates with BHRS ODE to Hear from Latinx Mothers

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On Wednesday, March 15th, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity of Equity (ODE) worked in collaboration with retired Congresswoman, Jackie Speier, and Louise Rogers, Director of San Mateo County (SMC) Health to host a virtual event for SMC Latinx mothers to identify their needs and experiences. Jackie Speier has just launched “The Jackie Speier Foundation,” therefore, this virtual event served as a means of better understanding how to better support this community. In an effort to hear the voice of San Mateo County (SMC) mothers, participants from the SMC Parent Project© and the BHRS ODE Health Ambassador Program were invited to attend.

This dialogue led to learning more about our SMC mothers’ concerns around access to services, behavioral health needs for children, economic and employment challenges, and the desire for youth support in different areas of their lives. Additionally, the participants shared thoughtful recommendations and hopes for mothers balancing many needs to provide the best life for their children. The resilience of our communities shined through, with mothers speaking about overcoming obstacles and advocating for their families. Throughout this conversation, Jackie Speier looked to better understand gaps and system barriers impacting mothers and children to access services and supports.

With much gratitude, we thank our community for joining us at this event and for sharing each of their stories with such heart and thoughtfulness. We also thank Jackie Speier for her persistence in identifying how our county can better accommodate the needs of Latinx mothers. We would also like to thank Louise Rogers for her support in making this event happen and her deep understanding of our communities and work throughout our system of care. BHRS ODE will continue to host similar events to ensure the voice of those we serve is represented in our work.

5/4- MHSA Three-Year Plan Presentation – MHSA Steering Committee

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MHSA Steering Committee – MHSA Three-Year Plan

MHSA Steering Committee meetings are open to the public to provide input, make recommendations and stay up-to-date on all things MHSA.   The next meeting will be focused on presenting the MHSA 3-Year Plan recommendations. Meeting materials will be posted on the MHSA website at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, under the “Announcements” tab.

Thursday, May 4, 2023 (Hybrid Meeting)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm 

  • Location (directions): College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., College Center, Bldg 10, Rm 468 
  • Parking: Any visitor or student parking lot is free (do not park in staff lots). Lot G is closest or parking lots F, H, J, and K.
  • Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89224214146 
  • Dial in: +1 669 900 6833 / Meetingg ID: 892 2421 4146
MHSA-Steering-Cmttee-Flyer_050423_v3Download

To learn more about MHSA visit SMCHealth.org/MHSA.

Spanish Parent Project Class – Starting 4/19

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Hello everyone, 

Please help me to spread the word about the upcoming Parent Project virtual Spanish class beginning on Wednesday, April 19th. The class will be facilitated by Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center’s, Evelia Chairez. Please see the attached flyer. 

To register for this class, please contact Evelia Chairez via her email or phone – echairez@pcrcweb.org & (650)513-0330 ext. 

For any Parent Project related questions, please feel free to contact me by my email or phone – nkelleher@smcgov.org & (650)649-8411. 

For more information about Parent Project, please visit SMCHealth.org/Parentproject.

PP-Spanish-4/19Download

2023 Tony Hoffman Award | Deadline 4/17

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The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and the media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental illness and the communities in which they live.

Recognition is given for public education or advocacy to promote mental health awareness and needs or to address stigma; public education and services to provide housing and employment for persons with mental illness; creation of new and innovative programs or community support activities; recognition of fundraising for mental health activities or long-term financial support to mental health programs; or working for new mental health legislation.

We also honor mental health consumers who, in their journey of recovery, are able to give back to their peers or the community. Awards are presented each May during Mental Health Month. 

See nomination form below.

Tony-Hoffman-Application_2023.1Download

2023 Mental Health Month | #Share4MH

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Partners and community members,  

We are quickly approaching that lime green time of the year again! 💚 Every May is Mental Health Month and California’s theme this year is #Share4MH! To promote engagement across communities in California and San Mateo County, we are asking everyone to find opportunities to share throughout the month. Sharing for mental health can look like:  

  • Sharing how you practice self-care.  
  • Sharing how you practice mental wellness.  
  • Sharing how you get support for your mental health.  
  • Sharing how you overcame stigma.  
  • Sharing your journey towards wellness 
  • Sharing mental health resources 

Check out our attached flyer to spark some other ideas! Also use our virtual background at your next virtual meeting to spark conversation.  

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

Please share this email with your clients/consumers, colleagues, friends and community! 

2023-MHM-General-Flyer-Eng&SPDownload

Socios y miembros de la comunidad, 

¡Nos acercamos rápidamente a esa época verde lima del año! ¡Cada mayo es el Mes de la Salud Mental y el tema de California este año es #Share4MH! Para promover la participación en las comunidades de California y el condado de San Mateo, les pedimos a todos que encuentren oportunidades para compartir durante todo el mes. Compartir para la salud mental puede verse como: 

  • Compartir cómo practica el autocuidado. 
  • Compartir cómo practica el bienestar mental. 
  • Compartir cómo obtiene apoyo para su salud mental. 
  • Compartir cómo superó el estigma. 
  • Compartiendo su experiencia hacia el bienestar 
  • Compartir recursos de salud mental 

¡Vea nuestro folleto adjunto para generar otras ideas! También use nuestro fondo virtual en su próxima reunión virtual para iniciar la conversación. 

Para ver nuestra lista completa de eventos públicos y gratuitos, formas de participar y recursos de salud mental, visite SMCHealth.org/MHM. 

¡Comparta este correo electrónico con sus clientes/consumidores, colegas, amigos y comunidad! 

2023-MHM-General-Flyer-Eng&SP

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