Tag Archives: Office of Diversity and Equity

Fall 2023 Parent Project Classes in Spanish

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The Parent Project is a free, 12-week course designed for parents and caregivers with adolescents who display challenging behaviors. Offered in both English and Spanish, the classes teach both prevention and intervention strategies that focus on the following areas:
• Dealing with unhealthy and/or dangerous behaviors in teens
• Strengthening family relationships

Participants gain access to resources and other support systems available in their communities, and also practice effective parenting skills that include:
• Developing appropriate family structure
• Preventing or ceasing the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco
• Enhancing communication skills
• Improving grades and school attendance

To learn more about Parent Project, visit SMCHealth.org/ParentProject.

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Take a Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training this Suicide Prevention Month #ShareHopeTogether

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 

Hello, everyone!

Have you heard of the Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training?  

“Be Sensitive, Be Brave ” is a 2-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout the mental health or suicide prevention trainings.. This workshop teaches community members to identify warning signs and  and to connect individuals to help. 

We are partnering with the San Mateo County Libraries to offer free trainings throughout this month. Visit SMCHealth.org/BSBB-Schedule to find out when is the next one! 

Events happening this week:  

💜 Sun, 9/10 – Compassion & Honesty: Working With Depressed/Suicidal Older Adults While Managing Your Own Feelings – Virtual 

💜 Mon, 9/11 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in Woodside 

💜 Tues, 9/12 – Walk of Hope Recovery Breakfast at County Center, Redwood City 

💜 Wed, 9/13 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in East Palo Alto 

💜 Fri, 9/15 – Let’s Share Hope Together: Screening “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” at San Mateo Main Library, San Mateo 

Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:                
Call 650-579-0350 or 988                
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988                
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org  

In community,  

Sylvia Tang & Kristie Lui

Read more

10/10 – National Day of Prayer: Serenity for Behavioral Health & Understanding

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Join us for National Day of Prayer: Serenity for Behavioral Health & Understanding on Tuesday, 10/10 from 12pm to 2pm at 400 County Center, Redwood City!

We are ALL touched by mental illness. Only with the guidance, prayers and actions from our faith and behavioral health networks working together, will our communities reach better mental health and well-being.

At the Day of Prayer for Behavioral Health and Understanding, faith and secular leaders will join hundreds of events around the country to publicly recommit ourselves to replace misinformation, blame, fear and prejudice with truth, inclusion and love in order to offer hope and support to those most in need.

Community members, consumers, family members, faith community and behavioral health providers all welcome!

The National Day of Prayer has been observed in San Mateo County since 2016.

This event will be in-person with livestreaming. To register for the livestreaming, click here.

Flyers-National-Day-of-PrayerDownload

First-Ever Youth Mental Wellness Pathways Workshop Piloted by San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Committee

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Just in time for Teen Mental Health Month, on August 1st, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Committee piloted its first-ever Youth Mental Wellness Pathways Workshop guided by the vision of creating clear, culturally sensitive and empathy-based access – “pathways” – to mental and behavioral health care for youth and their families no matter the point-of-entry.  With the ultimate goal of creating a simple yet effective navigational tool with heart, the pilot was designed for participants to:

  • Share their lived experiences (both positive and negative — i.e. barriers encountered) in navigating the system;
  • Exchange insight on how to effectively navigate the process;
  • Gather early data for an MVP pathways map that: (1) defines what questions to ask; (2) empowers with rights and sets expectations; (3) directs where to go; and (4) connects with supportive tips and networks.

 In small groups, parents, caregivers, educators, youth and mental health and behavioral health practitioners shared a unique mental wellness experience; identifying the feelings, thoughts, and actions that occurred before, during, and after attempting to access care. They mapped their pathway, then as a group, participants discussed their responses and then assessed the trends on their pathway. This was followed by a gallery tour, where each participant looked at each group’s pathway to better understand the thoughts, feelings, and obstacles that arise when attempting to access behavioral health care, as well as to define needs at each stage.

Through this event, participants were able to share their lived experiences to understand the realities associated with seeking behavioral health care. Whether that be fear, linguistic barriers, or the difference between therapy and youth therapy, this event created a space for identifying these real-life experiences from San Mateo County staff and families – and, importantly, co-created practical steps to support youth and families in moments of greatest need.

For future sessions, the Youth Committee plans to meet different communities within San Mateo County to host similar sessions among more youth, parent and caregivers, and educators of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. BHRS Office of Diversity would like to thank BHC Commissioner and Youth Committee Chair Frieda Edgette, BHC Commissioner, Commission on Disabilities Commissioner and County of Education Board Trustee Chelsea Bonini, BHRS Deputy Director of Youth and Family Services Ziomara Ochoa, Commission on Disabilities Commissioner and San Mateo Union School District Board Trustee Ligia Andrade Zuniga, volunteer William Elting, Consumer & Family Affairs TITLE Yolanda Ramirez and Parent Project Program Coordinator II Nicoletta Kelleher for their outstanding efforts in piloting this event. In addition, the Office of Diversity and Equity expresses deep gratitude to all the attendants that shared their lived experience and made this event possible.

If you are interested in learning more, getting involved or bringing the pathways workshop to your organization, please contact Nicoletta Kelleher at nkelleher@smcgov.org

The Latino Collaborative Honors Diverse Community with New Name

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Hola Communidad, we have big news! As one of the Health Equity Initiatives (HEI) within San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), the Latino Collaborative is now the Latino/a/x Collaborative.

Names are more than just names. Names reflect what we stand for and who we are. Therefore, it is with great orgullo (pride) that our members and leadership share this announcement. This re-brand acknowledges and embraces the diverse gender identities within our Latinx community, promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Significantly, this shift reflects a commitment to recognizing and valuing the multifaced experience and expression of gender among and within Latinx identified individuals Latin American and Hispanic people.

Our Latino/a/x Collaborative strives to incorporate inclusive language into our communications to create an environment where everyone feels recognized, respected, and valued. We invite you to share your voice and support our efforts to uplift the voices of the Latino/a/ax community at our HEI monthly meetings. Meetings are currently the 4th Tuesday of the month from 3:30 pm to 5 pm via zoom. Additionally, BHRS clients, family members, and community members who attend an HEI meeting can receive a stipend for their time and expertise. For more information visit us at smchealth.org/latinoax Gracias!

Written by Gloria Cahuich Gonzalez, Co-Chair of Latino/a/x Collaborative

2023 Suicide Prevention Month #ShareHopeTogether

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 | 以下为中文版本

 Hello, everyone!  We are one month away from September Suicide Prevention Month (in addition to Recovery Happens Month)! 

San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the following Suicide Prevention Month (SPM) observances. SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.  

  • Suicide Prevention Month (September) 
  • National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16)  
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) 

The 2023 SPM statewide theme is “Share Hope Together”. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources, or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. 

This year, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity and San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee lead a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and communication campaign. For the latest updates on free events and resources, you can visit smchealth.org/SPM.  To help spread this message of hope, you can share this flyer and email to your clients/consumers, colleagues, friends, family and community!

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:              
Call 650-579-0350 or 988              
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988              
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org 

 ¡Saludos a todos!  

¡Estamos a un mes de Septiembre, Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (además del Mes de la Recuperación Sucede)!  El Condado de San Mateo se unirá a los esfuerzos estatales y nacionales para los siguientes días de concientización del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (MPS). El MPS es uno de los mejores momentos del año en el que podemos honrar a los afectados por el suicidio e inspirar la prevención del suicidio. 

  • Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (septiembre) 
  • Semana Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (10 al 16 de septiembre) 
  • Día Mundial para la Prevención del Suicidio (10 de septiembre) 

El lema estatal del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio de 2023 es “Compartir Esperanza Juntos”. El acto de compartir, ya sea compartiendo esperanza, historias, tiempo, recursos o experiencias, puede servir como una herramienta poderosa en la prevención del suicidio.  Este año, la Oficina de Diversidad y Equidad de los Servicios de la Salud del Comportamiento y Recuperación (BHRS) del Condado de San Mateo, y el Comité de Prevención del Suicidio del Condado de San Mateo organizarán una variedad de eventos virtuales y en persona, días de abogacía, y campañas de comunicación. Para obtener las últimas noticias y detalles sobre eventos y recursos gratuitos, puede visitar el sitio web, smchealth.org/SPM.   

¡Para ayudar a difundirestemensaje de esperanza, puede compartir este volante y correoelectrónico con sus clientes/consumidores, colegas, amigos, familiares y comunidad!

Si usted o alguien que conoce enfrenta retos emocionales o esta atravezando una crisis, contacte nuestras líneas de CRISIS de 24/7:              
Llame al 650-579-0350 o 988              
Envie Texto “Bay” al 741-741 o 988              
Visite SanMateoCrisis.org

 大家好！  
  
距離九月自殺預防月（以及恢復月）還有一個月！  
  
聖馬特奧聖馬刁縣將在接下來的自殺預防月 (SPM) 紀念活動中加入全州和全國的活動。 SPM 是一年中最好的時刻之一，我們可以向那些受自殺影響的人致敬，並激發人們採取行動來預防自殺。   

  • 預防自殺月（九月）  
  • 全國預防自殺週（9 月 10 日至 16 日）  
  • 世界預防自殺日（9 月 10 日）  
      

2023年SPM全州的主題是“一起分享希望”。分享的方式，無論是分享希望、故事、時間、資源還是經驗，都可以成為預防自殺的有力工具。     今年，聖馬刁縣行為健康與康復服務多元化與公平辦公室和聖馬刁縣自殺預防委員會領導了各種 虛擬和現場活動、宣傳日和溝通活動。有關免費活動和資源的最新更新，您可以訪問 smchealth.org/SPM。
  為了幫助傳播這一希望的信息，您可以將此傳單和電子郵件分享給您的客戶/消費者、同事、朋友、家人和社區！  

 如果您或您認識的⼈正在掙扎 或遇到危機，請聯繫我們的 24/7 危機熱線:
電話 650-579-0350 或者 988 (提供中⽂翻譯)
短訊 “Bay” 到 741-741 或者 988 (僅英語和西班⽛語)
查詢網址 SanMateoCrisis.org (僅限英語) 

 大家好！  

距离九月自杀预防月（以及恢复月）还有一个月！  圣马特奥圣马刁县将在接下来的自杀预防月 (SPM) 纪念活动中加入全州和全国的活动。 SPM 是一年中最好的时刻之一，我们可以向那些受自杀影响的人致敬，并激发人们采取行动来预防自杀。  
•              预防自杀月（九月） 
•              全国预防自杀周（9 月 10 日至 16 日） 
•              世界预防自杀日（9 月 10 日）

2023年SPM全州的主题是“一起分享希望”。分享的方式，无论是分享希望、故事、时间、资源还是经验，都可以成为预防自杀的有力工具。   今年，圣马刁县行为健康与康复服务多元化与公平办公室和圣马刁县自杀预防委员会领导了各种 虚拟和现场活动、宣传日和沟通活动。有关免费活动和资源的最新更新，您可以访问 smchealth.org/SPM。 

为了帮助传播这一希望的信息，您可以将此传单和电子邮件分享给您的客户/消费者、同事、朋友、家人和社区！ 

如果您或您认识的⼈正在挣扎 或遇到危机，请联系我们的 24/7 危机热线:
电话 650-579-0350 或者 988 (提供中⽂翻译)
短讯 “Bay” 到 741-741 或者 988 (仅英语和西班⽛语)
查询网址 SanMateoCrisis.org (仅限英语) 

Application Now Open for 2023 September Suicide Prevention Month – Deadline 8/16

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Hello,

In addition to honoring Recovery Happens Month, San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the follow Suicide Prevention (SPM) observances.

Suicide Prevention Month (September)
National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16)
World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)

SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.

The 2023 SPM theme is #ShareHopeTogether. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. San Mateo County’s SPM will feature a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and a communication campaign. For the latest updates on SPM, visit SMCHealth.org/SPM.

There will be six $200-300 mini-grants to help fund six events or projects that support the previously mentioned theme and are under one of the below four areas to advance community resilience (more details in the application).

Celebrating and Grieving (1 mini-grantee) – September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
Community Engagement (at least 1 mini-grantee)
Personal Identity (at least 1 mini-grantee)
Learning (at least 1 mini-grantee)

If you would like to apply for above mini-grants, please complete this online form by Wednesday, August 16. If you would like to propose multiple events, please submit a separate application for each mini-grant you are applying for since they would be separate events.

Thank you for all you do to prevent suicide in our community.

Sylvia Tang (she/her)
Co-chair, Suicide Prevention Committee
Office of Diversity and Equity
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
650-208-5799
STang@smcgov.org

Why say “BIPOC” Instead of “Minority?

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Happy BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color ) Mental Health Awareness Month! The way we talk about things can often influence the way we think about them. In the field of mental health, we often talk about using  “person first” language. This is language that prioritizes the identity of individuals as human beings first over their mental health status (e.g. saying “person with schizophrenia” instead of “schizophrenic”). This concept should be used as well in the way we refer to communities. The use of “minority” labels BIPOC communities in terms of their quantity instead of their quality. The term “minority” also emphasizes the power differential between “majority” and “minority” groups and can imply “minority” is synonymous with inferiority.

Though “minority” may continue to be used in academic spaces, the words the mental health community uses should be mindful of how these terms create and perpetuate negative images and stereotypes of those that identify as BIPOC. By including “BI” Black and Indigenous in addition to “POC” people of color, we are also honoring the intersectional experiences of Black and Indigenous individuals and their communities, as well as the spectrum of existence and experience by POC.  

Learn more about  BIPOC Mental Health and San Mateo County BHRS’ Health Equity Initiatives.

Learn more about BHRS’ Office of Diversity and Equity here.    

Big Smiles & Beautiful Conversations at AACI and VoRSMC 23′ Juneteenth Celebration

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Thank you, all who joined us for African American Community Initiative (AACI) and Voices of Recovery San Mateo (VorSMC)’s 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 16th 2023.

Special highlights from this event include a resource fair which included or harm reduction table and Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at Stanford School of Medicine who provide health checks for the community. Musical selections were provided by Q Smith, Praise dancing performances were provided by SherOnMyPraise Ministries. and drumming provided by Onye Health and Well Being in Drumming. Thank you also Supervisor Noelia Corzo and Mayor Lisa Gauthier of East Palo Alto for attending and speaking.

The event also included a panel discussion focused on health and other topics. Panelists included Ja’Net Lawrence, Darris Young, Dwyane Aikens Jr., Bunmi Fariyike, Maximillian Bailey, Nnamdi Orakpo, MD, PhD, and Keon Pearson, MD/MBA.

This event was held virtually with approximately 130 people attending in-person and approximately 50 people attending online.

About African American Community Initiative
The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.  Learn more about AACI here.

Meet ODE’s Workforce, Education and Training (WET) Team!

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Angela Quiroz, Elise Cabilatazan, Andrew Tardiff, Stacy Williams, Irene Pham

The love of learning, hope for growth and passion to be part of the fight for equity are some of the values that drives BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity‘s WET team. The WET team, consisting of new and seasoned members, is excited to come together to continue fostering growth within our system while also seeking to accomplish established goals and support the learning needs of our staff through a variety of trainings, workshops, and programs.

In the upcoming fiscal year, the WET team is striving to bring back a number of trainings both in-person and virtual including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Prevention and Management of Assaultive Behavior, and Motivational Interviewing, to name a few, as well as increasing staff’s access to Continuing Education (CE) eligible trainings.

Moreover, the internship program is spurring to action and preparing to welcome our next round of clinical and ODE interns. The WET team is kicking things off with an in-person orientation; an event that has not happened in 2 years due to the pandemic. A number of interns will benefit from being identified as cultural stipend participants and have the opportunity to work alongside one of the Health Equity Initiatives (HEIs) on a community related project. The internship program is also being revamped to include new outreach strategies to help bolster the training opportunities offered in our county.

We aim to do our part to support our teams with their professional and personal growth and will continue to look for ways to improve and excel.

Written by Irene Pham (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity

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