Beginning on September 22nd and finishing on October 20th, the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity launched their 4-part Hispanic Heritage Photovoice series. This series celebrates Hispanic Heritage month by sharing how one’s family traditions, stories, and/or values connect an individual to their Hispanic heritage. This Photovoice series was particularly impactful because it was our first Spanish Photovoice since the re-launch of Photovoice in 2025. This series was facilitated by our longstanding community partner, Jose Luis Aguirre, who also facilitates our Spanish Parent Project courses. In addition, this series was very important for our Health Ambassador Program as it served as the final course (5 out of the 11 training offerings) for our prospective Health Ambassadors to become official Health Ambassadors. During graduation, we had family guests join and view the final Photovoices.
Now more than ever, it is vital that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage and culture to honor the importance that cultural values and identity plays in one’s behavioral health. For this reason, on Saturday, November 15th, we displayed these Photovoices at our 12th annual Sana Sana Colita de Rana event hosted by our BHRS ODE Health Equity Initiative, Latino/a/x Collaborative. Translated in English and Spanish, the Photovoices successfully promoted the Latino/a/x Collaborative’s mission to enhance health and wellness within the Latino/a/x community in San Mateo County. These final projects were displayed at the event, amplifying Hispanic Heritage while decreasing the stigma associated with seeking behavioral and recovery services and sharing lived experiences.
Written by Nicoletta Kelleher (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity
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 Tolentino Serrano (she/her/ella) – Health Ambassador Program
Michelle is currently a Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity (BHRS ODE) Intern for the Health Ambassador Program. With a bachelor’s degree in communications (health emphasis) and recent master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Michelle is excited to contribute to a program that is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma within the community. Drawing from personal/professional experiences and a commitment to service, she looks forward to gaining practical skills in public health education, advocacy, and community outreach. She hopes to continue this commitment to public health and community advocacy with pursuing opportunities to work as a coordinator for a Latinx/Queer center in higher education or in a related government role. Outside of professional endeavors, Michelle enjoys spending time with her cats, partner and family/friends, gardening, reading mystery/thriller, educating herself about political issues and crafting including beading, painting, sewing.
Maddy Marquez (she/them) – Parent Project & Photovoice Program
Maddy Marquez is currently a full-time student in their senior year at San Jose State University where they are studying to get their bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies. Maddy is very passionate about her schooling and is taking this internship opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills to better serve her community. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Maddy is Hispanic and has had the pleasure of experiencing programs like Puente during her time at community college. This program sparked her love for learning more about her heritage and culture. She is especially grateful because she was able to get credits for classes like English through the lens of her community. Maddy has also tailored her current education around learning about marginalized groups by writing a paper on the prevalence of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community as well as expanding her knowledge on these subjects with classes like human rights and justice, immigration and justice, race gender inequality and law, prison community, criminal law, and research methods in justice.
During their time at ODE, Maddy will be primarily supporting the Parent Project and Photovoice programs. She will also be assisting with systemic equity, as ODE consists of members who contribute to both aspects of health with community facing projects as well as the systems to better serve the members of this beautiful community in San Mateo County. She is very excited for her time at ODE and has enjoyed getting to meet so many amazing people who put their community first and are always looking to help others. During her time she has had the pleasure of working with an amazing, driven, kind team who has been very welcoming and supportive in getting her adjusted to her new role. Maddy is taking advantage of their time here in ODE to open their horizons for the possibilities of different career options that utilize their degree, allowing them to give a fresh perspective with their knowledge of the criminal justice system and how it can tie into other areas of the systems that involve our lives every day. Outside of school and work, Maddy enjoys spending her days with her lovely fiancé and their family along with their 3 cats. She also really enjoys watching movies because she is a sucker for a good rom com.
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.
Today on 9/8 aka 988 Day and the start of Suicide Prevention week, we are uplifting the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn the difference between 911 and 988. This resource is always here for you. You can also call the San Mateo County Crisis Line at (650) 579-0350 24/7 for help during a mental health crisis and the San Mateo County Mobile Crisis Response Team can come to you in person.
Events happening this week: 💜 9/8 – STS and Alt2Su Suicide Awareness Panel | Heart & Soul Clinic, Burlingame 💜 9/9 – Voices of Recovery’s Brunch/ Philomena Walk of Hope | 400 County Center, Redwood City 💜 9/9 – Board of Supervisors Proclamation | 500 County Center, Redwood City
On Saturday, June 14th, San Mateo County’s 13th Annual Pride Parade and Celebration united over 7000 community members in a vibrant display of LGBTQ+ pride, resilience, and joy. Centered on the theme “Breaking Boundaries, Shaping Futures,” the event uplifted visibility, equity, and community healing.
The day began with a community filled parade through downtown San Mateo, culminating in Central Park. Marchers, county leaders, community organizations, and allies filled the streets with affirming banners, rainbow flags, and cheers, demonstrating unity and inclusion.
The celebration continued in Central Park with live performances, wellness activities, food trucks, and roughly 78 booths comprised of local vendors and community resource tables. Free, family-friendly, and sober, the event offered a welcoming space for all ages, featuring children’s programming, intergenerational activities, and pet-assisted therapy to promote connection and well-being.
Organized by the San Mateo County Pride Initiative within Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the event reflected the County’s commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging. It was not only a celebration, but a space for community education, empowerment, and visibility.
Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a protective factor for behavioral health. LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, face elevated risks of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality due to stigma and discrimination. Events like this offer affirming, trauma-informed spaces that build resilience and promote wellness.
By championing visibility, decreasing stigma and sharing behavioral health resources, San Mateo County Pride strengthens community bonds and advances its vision for everyone in San Mateo County to live longer and healthier lives.
Written by Dr. Maria Lorente Foresti, Directors of BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity
1. Youth MHFA – Blended Zoom 🗓️ Friday, June 20, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM 📍 Zoom
2. Adult MHFA (Spanish) – In Person, 2-Day Training 🗓️ Saturdays, June 21 & 28, 2025 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (both days) 📍 Biblioteca de North Fair Oaks
En Español Primeros Auxilios para la Salud Mental para Adultos Dos sábados: 21 y 28 de junio de 2025 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Biblioteca de North Fair Oaks
3. Adult MHFA – Blended Zoom 🗓️ Friday, June 27, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Zoom
💫 JULY 💫
1. Adult MHFA (Older Adults) – In Person, 2-Day Training 🗓️ Saturdays, July 12 & 19, 2025 🕙 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (both days) 📍S. San Francisco Public Library
💫 AUGUST 💫
1. Adult MHFA – In Person 🗓️ Wednesday, August 6, 2025 🕘 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (includes breaks and lunch) 📍 Menlo College
2. Youth MHFA – Blended In-Person 🗓️ Friday, August 8, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM 📍 PRIVATE to SEQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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