In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on society, multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have made updates to their low-cost internet service programs to ensure individuals and families stay connected to the internet during this challenging time.
If you are a community organization, school, etc., help spread the word about this offer using their digital toolkit.
The impacts of COVID-19 have touched us all. However, it has been particularly concerning for our marginalized communities. The pandemic has highlighted how individuals with lack of adequate health insurance coverage, employment instability, economic uncertainty and limited ability to physically distance due to their work or housing situations are at greater risk of the physical and mental health impacts of COVID-19.
San Mateo County Race and Coronavirus Town Hall – May 1, 2020, was hosted by the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity in collaboration with StarVista, Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council, Get Healthy San Mateo County, and Catholic Charities to provide accurate information and resources, hearing community voices to inform the work and support in reaching all those in need across San Mateo County.
For more information, please contact Office of Diversity and Equity at ODE@smcgov.org.
This week, you can Express Your Well-Being and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE and virtual May Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!).
Maintaining your well-being through regular self-care prevents burnout, reduces the negative effects of stress, and helps you refocus – and it doesn’t have to cost a thing.
However, making time to focus on your well-being isn’t always easy. Self-care isn’t about being selfish or getting a reward — it is a critical part of maintaining our well-being. As author Brianna Wiest says: “Self-care should not be something we resort to because we are so absolutely exhausted that we need some reprieve from our own relentless internal pressure. True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.”
Real self-care is a thoughtful practice that builds well-being over time. Here are some resources to help build this practice and express your well-being:
May Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) Coordinated by MHAM Planning Committee and Office of Diversity and Equity.
#BeTheOneSMC to #ExpressYourself
#EachMindMatters
If you or a loved one are in need of mental health local support for mental health and substance use issues, contact these 24/7 numbers:
Each year, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services partners up with local agencies, consumers, and community members to coordinate Mental Health Awareness Month. This year posed a special challenge for the committee when meetings were transitioned to virtual and several of our planned in-person events had to be postponed.
A huge thank you to our 2020 MHAM Planning Committee for all your hard work, passion, and resilience!
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Month and a full list of events visit bit.ly/2020mham
For any questions please contact Kristie Lui at kflui@smcgov.org.
Happy May Mental Health Awareness Month! This week, you can Express Your Support and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE and virtual May Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!).
While half of us will experience a mental health challenge over the course of our lives, the very real prospect of facing stigma and discrimination prevents many from reaching out for support. In fact, before people reach our for help it takes an average of 11 years from the onset of symptoms of a mental health challenge. MHAM is one of the best times of the year where we can reduce this stigma and promote wellness.
This week, you can tap your creativity to express your support for mental health awareness by
Here’s a bonus: expressing care and support towards others increases production of the hormone oxytocin (which is associated with feelings of attachment and love) and the neurotransmitter serotonin (which is involved in good sleep and feelings of happiness) and can even give some people more energy and feelings of happiness!
As mentioned above, you can Express Your Support and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE and virtual MHAM events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!). Flyer and social media message templates attached.
We appreciate any level of support you can give to help us promote MHAM!
BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and 2020 MHAM Planning Committee
Colleagues and friends,
Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) in May. MHAM is one of the best times of the year where we can promote wellness and reduce stigma against those facing mental health and substance use issues.
Starting today, San Mateo County is joining Each Mind Matters, California’s Statewide Mental Health Movement, in promoting the theme #ExpressYourself. As we celebrate 2020 MHAM, we are focusing on how expressing ourselves in different ways can raise awareness about mental health, break down barriers between people, build our own wellness and strengthen our communities. Due to COVID-19, all of our events will be taking place virtually this year. Look forward to virtual open mics, paint and dance classes, mental health panels, and more! All events will be FREE and available to the public.
Stay tuned every week in May for weekly emails:
● Week 1: Express Your Support
● Week 2: Express Your Well-being
● Week 3: Express Encouragement
● Week 4: Express Unity
Please share with your clients, friends, family and community the attached flyer or this website bit.ly/2020mham where you can get more updates and details.
We appreciate any level of support you can give to promote MHAM!
In community,
BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and 2020 MHAM Planning Committee
