Tag Archives: bhrs

6/14 – SMC Pride Celebration Looking for Volunteers

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Hi, all, 

Please share this with your networks. 

Interested to give back to your community? Volunteer for the 2025 Pride Celebration happening on Saturday, June 14th!  We can use all the help we can get. Volunteer opportunities can include decorating, park monitoring, general set-up, entertainment assistance and more.

To volunteer, fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1MQ3myT3YkrKYUOwgmuNwq7_eZG-eqRcI-U1yN9ptE3qjQQ/viewform?usp=header

More info about the Pride Celebration here: https://www.smcpridecelebration.com/

Congratulations to our 2025 Tony Hoffman Awards Recipients!

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On Wednesday, 5/7/25, at College of San Mateo, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission had seven incredible recipients for the Tony Hoffman Awards!

The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges and the communities in which they live. This year’s recipients included a diverse group of individuals representing BHRS programs and staff, partner agencies, media outlets, peers and youth leaders. The Board of Supervisors recognized and honored each recipient of the Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Service Award for making an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges and the San Mateo County community.

About the recipients:

  • Under the leadership of Waynette Brock, One New Heartbeat brings peer-led support to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and to their families, and to those providing peer support services. The names of some of the services provided by One New Heartbeat illustrate the span of comprehensive, evidence-based, trauma-informed services provided: WRAP (wellness and recovery action plan) support group, training facilitators for Alternatives to Suicide groups and MHFA, Journaling Out Loud, Evidence-Based Parenting Program, Strengthening the Peer Workforce, Family Interventions. Waynette’s compassionate treatment of her fellow human beings and investment in all our wellness is remarkable. One New Hearbeat is an asset we celebrate today in San Mateo County. 
  • Kingdom Love, under direction of Lisa Mena, orchestrates the delivery of Be Sensitive Be Brave and Mental Health First Aid trainings to our San Mateo County community. There are so many components that contribute to community members receiving trainings tailored to them, and leaving the trainings uplifted and empowered, recharged with resilience, able to support those around them. It is fabulous to have expert facilitators for the trainings. It is even more exciting that community members with lived experience are being trained and are co-leading the trainings. These trainings are customized by language and location where they are held, recognizing the many factors that contribute to learners feeling safe and supported. I have hosted trainings in different community groups with whom I am associated. It is amazing to see stigma decrease, to see conversations start to happen, to see people find new ways to support each other in wellness. Kingdom Love Rocks!
  • In response to the growing local need of mental health resources, the San Mateo County Mayors Mental Health Initiative was launched in January 2022 by Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale and San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell. Mayor of South San Francisco Eddie Flores and former Mayor and current Council Member of Pacifica Mary Bier also joined the Steering Committee and have provided valuable leadership and expertise related to the behavioral health field.  In April 2022, the Mayors Mental Health Initiative collaborated with San Mateo County Executive Office and Behavioral Health Services Office of Diversity and Equity to secure $200,000 of funding to provide Mental Health First Aid and Be Sensitive Be Brave trainings free to the community. Local city elected officials and staff not only supported the hosting of these trainings but also participated in these trainings to expand the supportive network for mental health. And in August 2022, the Mayors Mental Health Initiative collaborated with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to invest $250,000 for mental health services provided by three non-profits – Star Vista, Daly City Youth Health Center and the Una Vida program through One Life Counseling.  
  • The San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission’s Youth Action Board 2024-2025 Cohort (YAB) exemplifies extraordinary leadership in transforming mental health services for young people. This diverse group of 12 young leaders, ranging from high school sophomores to college students, has demonstrated remarkable commitment to improving mental health awareness and access across the continuum of care. Their accomplishments include organizing the Uplifting Youth Voice Summit in partnership with the San Mateo County of Education, allcove San Mateo and Youth Leadership Institute, creating a safe space for adolescents to discuss mental health concerns and service gaps as part of United for Youth Wellbeing Vision 2030. Significantly, they are pioneering the Pathways Prototype’s development, an innovative system designed to connect youth and families with mental health services through any entry point, emphasizing empathy and cultural competency throughout the process. The YAB is also developed a youth-centered survey and focus group design to gather perspectives for a county youth crisis stabilization center and provided crucial youth expertise to the Mobile Crisis Response Team media campaign. These young leaders are dismantling mental health stigma by centering youth voices in policy discussions and service design. Their work embodies the spirit of the Tony Hoffman Award through advocacy, innovative program creation, and compassionate support for vulnerable populations.  
  • Cynthia Castro is a long-time resident of Redwood City, an active member of the Latino/a/x Collaborative, and a devoted mother who has lovingly supported her child through significant behavioral health challenges since early childhood. In 2016, she became a Health Ambassador for San Mateo County BHRS, a role that beautifully reflects her passion for helping others. Cynthia has been a tireless advocate for community wellness, consistently demonstrating her deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of San Mateo County residents. Through her involvement in the Health Ambassador Program, she has played a vital role in bringing BHRS resources to the community and expanding outreach efforts with warmth and compassion. Cynthia’s courage in sharing her lived experience—both as someone who has faced behavioral health challenges and as a mother walking alongside her child—has made a profound impact. Whether at community meetings, events, HAP presentations, or the Reconozca las Señales workshop, her voice has helped break down stigma, open hearts, and inspire others to seek help and healing. 
  • Deputy Sheriff Joaquin Moreno is a bilingual and bicultural School Resource Officer who plays a vital role in community engagement through the Sheriff’s Activities League and the Community Alliance to Revitalize Our Neighborhoods (CARON). His presence reflects a deep commitment to building trust and fostering positive relationships within the San Mateo County community. Deputy Moreno is especially recognized for his compassionate work with the behavioral health community. Through educational programs like the Parent Project and the CARON Academy, he facilitates impactful workshops for underserved communities, using a trauma-informed lens that emphasizes respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. His strong awareness of how culture and trauma effects individuals, particularly those experiencing behavioral health challenges—has been a calming and empowering force during times of heightened anxiety and uncertainty. In every interaction, whether in workshops or law enforcement responses, Deputy Moreno approaches community members with care, prioritizing safety, building trust, and creating a sense of hope. His ability to connect with others continues to inspire and uplift those he serves.  
  • William Elting has consistently been a dedicated volunteer with BHRS in multiple projects, including years of advocating for better crisis response services. Last Fall, William spearheaded the creation of a document in support of expansion of peer support services and its proclamation by the Board of Supervisors. For this project he collaborated with OCFA and the Advocacy Council. William has kept the momentum going by continuing to advocate gathering the support of a growing list of signatories. William is an active member of The San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Committee and participated in various Youth Mental Wellness Pathways Workshop throughout the county to create clear, culturally sensitive, and compassionate access to mental health care for youth and families. The pilot aimed to gather lived experiences, share navigation insights, and collect early input for a simple, empowering “pathways” tool to guide users through the system with clarity and support. William has always been very committed to supporting the vision of BHRS and is a fantastic collaborator. 

5/17 – Rooted in Wellness | Phoenix Garden

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Join us for a rejuvenating morning of community wellness as we connect with nature and each other at the Phoenix Garden.  Begin your day with a peaceful walking meditation through our lavender labyrinth, followed by a gentle yoga session to awaken your body and mind.  Get your hands in the soil with guided gardening activities, including planting your own take-home garden treasure and contributing to the beauty of our shared space through weeding and mulching.  As we conclude our time together, gather in a spirited drumming circle to celebrate our collective energy and the therapeutic benefits of gardening for wellbeing

Date: Sat, 5/17
Time: 9AM-1PM
Location: 222 Paul Scannell Drive, San Mateo (Across from Youth Services Center)
For more info, email Regina Moreno at RMoreno@smcgov.org.

Show Your Support for Mental Health Month with your Virtual Background

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We are two weeks away from 2025 May Mental Health Month!

What’s an easy way to let your team and others know that May is Mental Health Month? Promote it with your virtual background! Download them at smchealth.org/post/social-media-0

💚 Event happening next week:  

Tues, 4/22: Board of Supervisors proclaim May as Mental Health Month
Join us in proclaiming May as Mental Health Month! Show your support by wearing lime green and/or making a public comment. 
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: 500 County Center Chambers, 1st Fl, Redwood City, CA, 94063 or via Zoom here.

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

BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Internship – Deadline 5/2/25

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The BHRS ODE Internship Program is designed to provide work opportunities and practical learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their academic learning and expose them to public service at the county level. For the 2025-2026 internship program, we are looking to extend training opportunities to two interns.

All interns will have the opportunity to support the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (across programs) and participate in a Health Equity Initiative. At the end of the internship term, each intern will participate in sharing a presentation with the BHRS ODE staff describing their experience and the work they did during their time as an intern. For each program area, sample tasks are listed below. Please note – some programs may have limited capacity to support students. We make every effort to match the student with their preferred program of interest, yet some programs may not have the capacity to accommodate every request.

Qualifications:
Required
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • An undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university. Recent graduates (up to one year after graduation) are also eligible.
  • Available to work 20 hybrid hours per week. This includes the ability to work from home and at the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (in Belmont, CA) beginning the week of September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
  • NOT a current employee of San Mateo County.
  • A requirement to work 8-hours in the office weekly and attend mandatory BHRS ODE staff meetings, in person, on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month. (Staff meetings count toward your 8-hour requirement).
  • Must have reliable transportation
  • When responding to the supplemental questions in the Survey Monkey application, please share your personal experience using real life examples supported by your work and/or life experiences.
  • Acceptance of the BHRS ODE internship is contingent upon completing a San Mateo County Human Resource application and passing a criminal background check.

Desired
We would strongly prefer a candidate with the following qualities:

  • Passion for advancing equity, wellness, and recovery for culturally diverse and marginalized communities and our workforce
  • Personal experience with or knowledge of inequities related to behavioral health
  • Experience working with culturally diverse and marginalized communities
  • Multicultural and/or multilingual skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills
  • Ability to prioritize time-sensitive assignments
  • Ability to work well in teams and independently
  • Ability to offer flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends

Term and Stipend
This BHRS ODE Internship runs from September to June and is paid through a stipend of $14,000 (before taxes) funded by the Mental Health Services Act. Interns must commit to working 20-hours per week for the BHRS ODE division from the week of September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Interns are required to remain active for the full 20-hours per week in the BHRS ODE internship program and complete the entire term of the agreement. The stipend is considered taxable income.

How to Apply
Complete the application and supplemental questions. Only completed applications will be reviewed. If you would like an alternative way to apply or have any accessibility requests, please email HS_BHRS_Internships@smcgov.org for assistance. In addition to completing the application and supplemental questions, please upload your cover letter and resume after the references section below. Applications must be submitted by May 2, 2025. Only completed applications will be reviewed. Please contact us if you do not receive a confirmation that we received your application.

Application link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ODE25-26

About the County of San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS)
At the County of San Mateo, we take pride in the way our employees bring together their lived experience, diverse backgrounds, and perspectives to serve our community’s needs. The County of San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) provides a broad spectrum of services for children, youth, families, adults, and older adults for the prevention, early intervention, and treatment of behavioral health concerns. The county is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

About the BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity
The BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) advances health equity in behavioral health outcomes of marginalized communities throughout the County of San Mateo. BHRS ODE is dedicated to addressing health inequities and stigma in the areas of behavioral health while supporting wellness and recovery. BHRS ODE works to achieve these goals by promoting culturally and trauma-informed practices, which is rooted in principles of social justice. To learn more about BHRS ODE’s work, visit: www.smchealth.org/bhrs/ODE.

ODE Intern Flyer 25-26 FINAL (1)Download

4/15 – Psychiatric Emergency Services Panel Webinar

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Hello,

Join us on Tuesday, April 15th for the Psychiatric Emergency Services Panel webinar from 1:30PM-3:00PM.

Together with Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and San Mateo Medical Center, this webinar will highlight suicide prevention work being done through hospital Psychiatric Emergency Services and will highlight community partnership efforts for prevention advancement.

This event will be conducted in English. If you would like to request interpretation, please contact Sylvia Tang at stang@smcgov.org or 650-208-5799 (voicemail or text) by Tuesday, April 8th.

If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can reach out for 24/7 free confidential crisis support: Call 650-579-0350 (San Mateo County Crisis Hotline) call/text or 988 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or visit sanmateocrisis.org.

Hola,

Únase a nosotros el martes 15 de abril para el seminario web del Panel de Servicios de Emergencia Psiquiátrica de 1:30 p.m. a 3:00 p.m.

Junto con Mills-Peninsula Medical Center y San Mateo Medical Center, este seminario web destacará el trabajo de prevención del suicidio que se realiza a través de los Servicios de Emergencia Psiquiátrica del hospital y destacará los esfuerzos de asociaciónes comunitarias para el avance de la prevención.

Este evento se realizará en inglés. Si desea solicitar interpretación, comuníquese con Sylvia Tang a stang@smcgov.org o al 650-208-5799 (mensaje de voz o mensaje de texto) antes del martes 8 de abril.

Si usted o alguien que conoce está en crisis suicida o angustia emocional, puede solicitar apoyo confidencial y gratuito las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana: llame al 650-579-0350 (Línea Directa de Crisis del Condado de San Mateo), llame/envíe un mensaje de texto o al 988 (Línea Nacional de Vida para el Suicidio y las Crisis) o visite sanmateocrisis.org.

你好,

请于 4 月 15 日星期二下午 1:30 至 3:00 前来 參加我們的精神科緊急服務小組網路研討會。

此次網路研討會將與 Mills-Peninsula Medical Center 和 San Mateo Medical Center 一起重點介紹透過醫院精神科急診部門進行的自殺預防工作，並將重點放在社區合作夥伴關係在預防方面所做的努力。

本次活動將以英語進行。如果您需要口譯服務，請在 4 月 8 日星期二之前電郵 stang@smcgov.org 或 簡訊 650-208-5799 聯繫 Sylvia Tang。

如果您或您認識的人處於輕生危機或情緒困擾，您可以尋求 24/7 免費保密危機支援：致電 650-579-0350（聖馬刁縣危機熱線）電話/簡訊或 988（國家輕生和危機生命熱線）或造訪 sanmateocrisis.org。您可以要求口譯員。

3.17 Draft Psychiatric Emergency Services Panel Webinar 2025Download

Job Opportunity – Family Peer Support Specialist I/II

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The BHRS Central Youth Team is looking for a well-qualified individual for the position of Family Peer Support Specialist I/II-Behavioral Health-Spanish Speaking Required to, under immediate supervision, provide support, wellness/recovery and educational services to family/caregivers of behavioral health and recovery program services; participate as a member of our service provision teams; and perform related duties as assigned.

The Family Peer Support Specialist will provide peer support and help families of youth (ages 6-18) access community resources that promote wellness, resiliency, and recovery. As a full-time team member, they will collaborate with families and staff to develop strength-based treatment goals, support families as their loved one enters mental health treatment, and facilitate psychoeducational or support groups. The role includes some evening hours (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) as needed and involves sharing personal experiences when appropriate. The Family Peer Support Specialist will work closely with the Central Youth Team, which includes clinicians and psychiatrists.

For detailed information about the position requirements and how to apply, please visit: Job Opportunities | Join the County of San Mateo!

2025 Black History Month Wellness Event Pays Homage to Ancestors

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On Saturday, February 15th, the African American Community Initiative (AACI) celebrated their 7th annual Black History Month celebration at Eastside College Preparatory Academy in East Palo Alto. This event paid homage to the African American/Black ancestors, specifically highlighting African Americans devout contributions to our American history through labor (the national theme was “African Americans & Labor: Paying homage to our ancestors”). The event featured guest presentations from our newest San Mateo County Board Member, Lisa Gauthier, who represents District 4 (East Palo Alto), Behavioral Health, and Recovery Services (BHRS) Director, Dr. Jei Africa, and BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity Director, Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti. Attendees were provided history about African American/Black representation in predominately white work fields, as seen in the video by Misty Copeland, who shared her lived experiences as a Black Principal Ballet Dancer. In addition, attendees learned about the Port Chicago explosion in Suisan Bay and the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black female unit of the United States Army during World War II. Finally, the event celebrated the work of Maurice Goodman, the President of the San Mateo County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) – the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States!

AACI closed out the event with an introduction to the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center in Redwood City, as well as providing some trivia and raffles to the community; all questions related to African American/Black individuals who contributed to American history and those who contributed to San Mateo County workforce. By celebrating Black History, AACI aims to reduce behavioral health treatment disparities, support an inclusive and welcoming environment for our clients and workforce and reduce the stigma around behavioral health challenges with the intention of creating more equitable behavioral health outcomes for our African American and Black community. The African American Community Initiative would like to thank all their guests and presenters for coming together and rejoicing in African American/Black History through music, community resources, speakers, and guest presenters. The African American Community Initiative hopes to see you all for their next event in June for Juneteenth!

To learn more about the African American Community Initiative, or to become a member, click here!

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

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