Whether or not you have kids, you know what it’s like to be a young person. It’s not always easy. A lot of young people are struggling with thoughts of suicide, so it’s important for them to know they have people in their corner. Check in on young people you care about, and let them know you’re here whenever they need help or just need someone to listen. For more information on suicide prevention, go to https://smcsuicideprevention.com
Events happening this week: 💜9/26 – You Matter: Youth Suicide Prevention Day at allcove in San Mateo 💜 9/30 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at 650 Main St, Redwood City
988 CALLS ARE NOWGEOLOCATED: As of 09/17/2024, T-Mobile cellular service users (including Mint, Metro, Ultra, U.S. Mobile, and textnow) and Verizon cellular service users (including Xfinity, Visible, RedPocket, Reach, and Twigby) cellular service users in San Mateo County are geo-routed to StarVista Crisis Center based on location instead of phone area code when they call 988.
AT&T cellular service (including Cricket, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, H20 Wireless, and Good2go) is still pending activation confirmation.
Prior: Tuesday, 09/03/2024 from 2pm-3pm: In-person Meeting, Group Photo & Distribution of Outreach Materials at San Mateo County Health offices in Belmont.
UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS
09/26/2024 VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM Thursday, September 26th, 2024 1pm – 2:30 pm PDT CDPH Office of Suicide Prevention – September Community of Practice Registration Link The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) is excited to continue hosting an interactive, quarterly Community of Practice webinar series. The purpose of these meetings is to bring together our OSP partners to connect, collaborate, share, and learn from one another’s successes and challenges working on suicide prevention efforts at the local and state level.
For the September OSP Community of Practice we will focus on suicide fatality review teams, including an overview presentation from Dr. Kimberly Repp and representatives from Glenn and Los Angeles counties, sharing their experiences establishing suicide fatality review teams.
Webinar Outline:
Overview of the progress made within California to establish county-level Suicide Fatality Review teams.
Suicide Fatality Review Team Toolkit created by Dr. Repp with Epidemiology Consulting.
County level perspectives on establishing Suicide Fatality Review teams (successes, challenges, and lessons learned).
Discover the power of connection at our youth suicide prevention event! Enjoy an engaging workshop, DIY self-care activities, fun games, and a debrief session. Join us in creating a caring community where everyone feels valued and heard.
09/30/2024 Monday, September 30th, 2024 6pm – 8:30pm PDT Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx 650 Main St., Redwood City, CA 94063
Te invitamos a participar en un taller sobre cómo identificar las señales de suicidio, cómo tener una conversación con alguien que esta pensando terminar con su vida, qué acciones tomar y cómo buscar apoyo.
PARA REGISTRARSE CONTACTE A: Lourdes Briseño 650-458-1128 o Rosa Bañuelos 650-703-40-94
Come join us for an enlightening event where we will be discussing ways to combat loneliness and foster a sense of community. David Canepa and the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence (CAFE) will be sharing valuable insights and strategies to help you transition from loneliness to light. This in-person event promises to be a source of inspiration and connection. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow together!
Join us to hear from experts and community organizations offering examples on how to reduce isolation and loneliness in San Mateo County!
Speakers include: DR. ANABEL PELHAM Center for Age-Friendly Excellence SUPERVISOR DAVID CANEPA San Mateo County Board DR. CARLA PERISSINOTTO UCSF DR. ELISSA S. LEE Neighbor-to-Neighbor Project
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and our community partners are building a coalition to address overdose and raise awareness. Please join us for a guided focus group to discuss this critical issue and ways to respond:
Registration is required by scanning QR code or clicking HERE.
10/24/2024 Thursday, October 24th, 2024 6:30am – 1pm PDT 2024 DRSC Safety Summit In Person or Webinar
DRSC is a nonprofit organization made up of railroad professionals, government officials, law enforcement, engineers, educators, and private citizens who share a profound concern for safety at highway-railroad crossings and along railways. The Council was founded on April 30, 1994, as an outgrowth of a Railroad Safety Task Force called for by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board. Since that time, the Council has met regularly to examine ways to heighten awareness and improve safety at highway-railroad crossings and to work with civic, law enforcement and railroad leaders to prevent deaths and injuries along railways.
IN THE NEWS
This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:
This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop.
For more information about both trainings above, please contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org
CALL TO ACTION!
We have the power to make a difference. By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create aa world where they feel seen, heard, and supported. Here are ways you can help:
Actively participate in the next SPC meeting: Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, 1:30pm-3:00pm Web Browser: https://zoom.us/j/410362485 (Meeting ID: 410 362 485) One-Tap Phone: +16699006833,,410362485# Phone (dial-in): +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 410 362 485
Invite Someone New! Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization, community member to join the SPC mailing list.
Announcements? Have an important commission meeting? Upcoming event you would like to highlight? Send an email by the second Tuesday of each month for co-chairs review to:walter.ng@star-vista.org
QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK? READY TO GET INVOLVED? CONTACT US!
Sylvia Tang, MPP (She/Her) Community Health Planner San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) stang@smcgov.org (650) 208 – 5799
Need help right now? The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is open 24/7, confidential, and free of charge. When you call or text 988, or chat on the website, you’ll be connected with a trained counselor who will listen to what you’re going through without judgment. And they’ll work with you to create a plan to keep you safe. You can also contact 988 if you’re worried about someone in your life. Get in touch on your own, or together. Call or text 988 on your phone, or chat on mobile or desktop at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
Events happening this week: 💜9/26 – You Matter: Youth Suicide Prevention Day at allcove in San Mateo 💜 9/30 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at 650 Main St, Redwood City
Last week in Morgan Hill (9/12/2024), I attended the Santa Clara County’s Suicide Prevention Conference and participated in a presentation titled, “Increasing the Accessibility of Suicide Prevention Community Trainings via Language Translation vs. Cultural Adaptation: Lessons Learned.” The presentation was led by Dr. Joyce Chu (co-creator of Be Sensitive Be Brave training for mental health and suicide prevention: https://www.smchealth.org/bsbb) and featured community partners for Vietnamese adaptation (Dr. Kathlyn Clementelli) and Tongan adaptation (Leafa Taumoepeau and Maata Misinale. I’m so grateful for each of them!
The lessons learned were so insightful and left the audience thinking about cultural adaptations for different communities, including food, storytelling and working with trusted institutions (community center, church).
Below are links with more suicide prevention information/resources:
When it comes to 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and suicide prevention, community is a powerful and protective force. Individuals thrive when they’re accepted and embraced by family, friends, and peers. If you’re 2SLGBTQIA+ and having a tough time, there are always people you can talk to. Connect with @trevorproject or @translifeline, or find the 2SLGBTQIA+ community center nearest to you.
Events happening this week: 💜 9/19 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at Eedwood City Public Library 💜 9/23 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at 650 Main St, Redwood City 💜9/26 – You Matter: Youth Suicide Prevention Day at allcove in San Mateo
Let’s continue talking about mental health, suicide prevention, and feelings of isolation. How can we best address loneliness? The approach may vary depending on age. Whether someone is a child, an older adult, or anywhere in between, there are always ways to foster hope and strengthen connections. Discover signs to watch for and effective strategies for every age group in our new resource, Love Over Loneliness for All Ages: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/
Events happening this week: 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/17 at 10AM in Belmont | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors- Participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.
Feelings of loneliness happen. Connecting with people is a basic human need—there’s no shame in wanting this. You can remedy loneliness, in yourself and in people you know.
Events happening this week: 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is “Change the Narrative”— because it’s time to talk more openly and honestly about suicide and suicide prevention. That can start with lighting a candle. Put it near your window at 8 PM tonight to visibly show your support for preventing suicide in our communities. It’s also a way to honor loved ones we have lost, and loved ones who have survived. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Learn more at SMCSuicideprevention.com
Events happening this week: 💜 9/10 at 4PM in Belmont in San Mateo | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop – Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one. 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
It’s officially Suicide Prevention Month, and next week is Suicide Prevention Week! Let’s use this time to give people hope and the strategies we all need to prevent suicide. We want to help undo the stigma. Next week, we’ll be posting content and resources so you can know the signs and break the ice when you need to talk.
Also, check out San Mateo County’s free events throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month. They’re free and open to the public, a mix of virtual and in-person. We’d love to see you! Visit our website for more information: https://smcsuicideprevention.com
Upcoming event: 💜9/10: Communal Candle Decorating Workshop at Belmont Library
Join us for the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office Annual Presentation! Throughout the year, the Coroner’s Office investigates circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent, and unnatural deaths, including suicide deaths, in San Mateo County.
The Coroner’s Office is presenting to the San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee, covering topics including introduction to the Coroner’s Office, death investigation process, death review teams, recent data and shared resources with descendants.
Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Time: 1:30-3:30pm Pacific Time Virtual Location: zoom.us/j/410362485
Please help us spread the word, as everyone is welcome to attend. Come grab a virtual seat and get informed!
If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional distress or suicidal crisis, contact our 24/7 crisis hotlines: Call 650-579-0350 or 988 Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988 Visit SanMateoCrisis.org
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