Hosted by The Office of Diversity and Equity
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

May Mental Health Month 

Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Month (MHM) in May. MHM is one of the best times of the year to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions. Each year we partnered with local agencies and community members to promote events free and open to the public throughout the county. All events this year will be virtual. 

#HopeForChange

This year’s theme, aligned with the statewide theme, is #HopeForChange. The past year has undoubtedly brought unanticipated changes for us as individuals, families, and communities–leaving us to face these challenges and transform. Change is not always planned. Growth can be powerful and empowering. It can also be uncomfortable. #HopeForChange reminds us to spread and rely on the hope that carried us through a year of change. 

Please visit this site again for updates on Mental Health Month events in the community. 

2021 Virtual Events

Events scheduled for this month are listed below. For the most up-to-date information, please continue visiting this site.

Whether you are attending one of these events or are celebrating elsewhere, use #BeTheOneSMC and #HopeForChange on social media to help raise awareness and get a free lime green commemorative pin!  To claim your pin, please e-mail a picture of your tagged social media posts to Kristie Lui (kflui@smcgov.org).

Note: All events are in Pacific Standard Time. 

Sat, 5/1- 10am-11am | 2021 Mental Health Month Livestream Kick-Off 
Location: Facebook Live
Details: Join San Mateo County on May 1st to kick off 2021 Mental Health Month. Learn how to make limegreen cookies, join us for a mindful meditation, and hear about how you can participate in Mental Health Month throughout the month of May. 
Language: English with Spanish Interpretation
Flyer: English | Spanish
Contact: Kristie Lui | KFLui@smcgov.org

Sat, 5/1- 11am-12pm | Music for Mental Health: Mardi Morillo
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, enjoy some great music and personal tales of healing. Local musician Mardi Morillo will share a performance of original songs and covers. Mardi Morillo is a singer-songwriter, and he’ll be joining us to share his music on acoustic guitar.
Language: English
Contact: John Weaver | jnweaver@menlopark.org

Mon, 5/3- 6:30pm-7:30pm | Mental Health Month Open Mic
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Whether in poetry, spoken word, or music, let’s bring our voices together to break the silence surrounding the mental health impacts of rising anti-Asian sentiments and stand in solidarity with the AAPI community. Share your own words, or listen to others. San Mateo County Poet Laureate Aileen Cassinetto will emcee this affirming event in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We’ll also be joined by trauma specialists from StarVista.
Language: English
Contact: John Weaver | jnweaver@menlopark.org

Tues, 5/4- 12pm-1pm | Eddy Zheng on Hate and Violence Affecting Asian Pacific Islanders
Location: Virtual (Zoom Registration)
Details: Hate incidents against Asian American Pacific Islander communities have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this is not new: there is a long history of violence affecting AAPI communities in the United States. Eddy Zheng, President of the New Breath Foundation and co-founder of the first-ever ethnic studies program in San Quentin State Prison, will speak about how the U.S. immigration and criminal justice systems harm AAPI communities and how recent violence fits into the larger context of AAPI history. Join us in kicking off Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month by elevating our history and celebrating our resilience. 
Language: English
Contact: Tammy Vuong | (650) 372-6235 | qvuong@smcgov.org
Flyer: Here

Tues, 5/4- 6pm-8pm | Angst Film Screening 
Location: Virtual (Eventbrite Registration Link)
Details: Documentary film in which mental health experts discuss the causes of anxiety, its sociological effects and what can be done about it.
Language: English & Spanish
Contact: Charlene Margot | cmargot@parentventure.org and Sheléne Peterson | SPeterson@smcoe.org.

Wed, 5/5- 1pm-2pm | Supporting Perinatal Mental Health 
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: In honor of World Maternal Mental Health Day, the Prenatal to Three Initiative will be addressing perinatal mental health needs to support first time mothers. Mothers will also learn infant massage techniques for their babies.
Language: English 
Flyer: Download Here
Contact: Hedwig De Ocampo | HDeOcampo@smcgov.org

Miércoles, 5/5- 2pm -3pm | Apoyando la salud mental perinatal 
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: En honor al Día Mundial de la Salud Mental Materna, la Iniciativa Prenatal to Three abordará las necesidades de salud mental perinatal para apoyar a las madres primerizas. Las madres también aprenderán técnicas de masaje infantil para sus bebés.
Language: Spanish
Flyer: Descargar Aquí
Contact: Hedwig De Ocampo | HDeOcampo@smcgov.org

Thurs, 5/6- 11:30am-12:30pm | Gentle Chair Yoga
Location: Virtual (Registration Form) 
Details: Chair yoga uses the chair as a prop for support (standing or seated). These classes will begin with centering, followed by yoga warm-ups, yoga postures, concentration & breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and meditation. Chair yoga is accessible to any level of health or mobility. As you practice, you’ll receive the benefits of increased flexibility, physical and mental strength, energy, clarity, overall health and peace.
Language: English
Contact: Darren Heiber | heiber@smcl.org

Thurs, 5/6- 6pm-7pm | Creating Caring Communities
Location: Zoom (Registration Form) 
Details: In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, learn about mental illnesses, the impact of negative attitudes, and five things each of us can do to make our community a better place for people who experience a mental illness.
Language: English
Contact: John Weaver | jnweaver@menlopark.org

[CANCELLED - Spanish event cancelled but English event still scheduled] Thurs, 5/6- 7pm to 8pm | SafeSpace: screening QuaranTEEN Diaries
Location: Zoom Link
Details: SafeSpace es una organización dirigida por jóvenes y centrada en la salud mental que permite a los jóvenes participar abiertamente en sus escuelas y comunidades. Crean e implementan iniciativas para cambiar la conversación sobre la salud mental educando y animando a sus compañeros a hablar, apoyar a otros y buscar ayuda cuando sea necesario. Produjeron un cortometraje llamado QuaranTEEN Diaries. Su mensaje y experiencia no están escritos; todo lo que comparten es su propia verdad en sus propias palabras. QuaranTEEN Diaries captura COVID-19 y la experiencia de la pandemia directamente desde la perspectiva de la juventud. Comparten sus desafíos, pero igualmente destacan su fuerza interior, la importancia de la comunidad y el mensaje de “separados, pero nunca solos.” perspective w/ Q&A teen panel
Language: Spanish
Contact: Annie Kim | Annie@safespace.org

Thurs, 5/6- 8pm-9pm | SafeSpace: screening QuaranTEEN Diaries
Location: Zoom Link
Details: SafeSpace is a youth-led, mental health-focused organization that empowers young people to engage openly with their local schools and communities. SafeSpace presents the QuaranTEEN Diaries. Their message and experience is not scripted; everything they share is their own truth in their own words. The QuaranTEEN Diaries captures COVID-19 and the pandemic experience directly from the lens of youth. They share their challenges, but equally highlight their inner strength, importance of community and the message of “apart, but never alone.”
Language: English
Contact: Annie Kim | Annie@safespace.org

Friday, 5/7- 4pm-5pm | Music and Trivia for Older Adults
Location: Via Zoom (Registration Form)
Details: Music and Trivia offers plenty of variety, with a different music theme every week. The trivia themes include Broadway, television, artist retrospectives, and even a “Musical Road Trip” with state and city trivia. Our host, Ben Pernick, also mixes in fun word games on the topics including a modified version of the popular party game “Scattergories”. Ben is a board-certified music therapist with 7 years’ experience creating engaging experiences for seniors. More information at this webpage. 
Language: English
Contact: Chris Lu | luc@smcl.org

Friday, 5/7- 6pm-7:30pm | 1st Annual The Amazing Souls of Black Folks: African Americans Expressions of Wellness and Resiliency through Poetry
Location: Zoom (Registration Link) 
Details: Astute historic and personal poetry readings that express the desire for the wellness and the resilience of African Americans. The audience will have an opportunity for insightful reflections on the poetry. A creative community open-mike will be offered to share black & ally poetry by participants. Gift certificates will be given to 3 poets from the open mike segment.
Language: English
Flyer
Contact: Pamela Ward Pious | wpam3238@gmail.com, (650) 669-5610 (text message only)

Sat, 5/8- 11am-12pm | Mandarin Storytime
Location: Via Zoom (Registration Form)
Details: Mandarin song & storytime lead by children’s book author, Jamie Gao. For the past 8 years, Jamie has brought abundant joy to the Bay area communities. Her passion and energy are infectious. What will be a better way to spend quality time with family and learn Mandarin?  

兒童文學作者 Jamie Gao每月一次將在Burlingame 圖書館主持國語歌曲和故事時間。在過去的8年中，Jamie 為海灣社區兒童帶來了無限的歡樂。 她的高能量的熱情和活力具有感染力。歡迎您全家大小一起來和Jamie 老師説說唱唱學中文!
Language: Mandarin
Contact: Kathy von Mayrhauser | vonmayrhauser@plsinfo.org

Sunday, 5/9- 10am-10:40am | Mandarin Storytime
Location: Via Zoom (Registration Form)
Details: Mandarin song & storytime lead by children’s book author, Jamie Gao. For the past 8 years, Jamie has brought abundant joy to the Bay area communities. Her passion and energy are infectious. What will be a better way to spend quality time with family and learn Mandarin?  

兒童文學作者 Jamie Gao每月一次將在Daly City 圖書館主持國語歌曲和故事時間。在過去的8年中，Jamie 為海灣社區兒童帶來了無限的歡樂。 她的高能量的熱情和活力具有感染力。歡迎您全家大小一起來和Jamie 老師説說唱唱學中文!
Language: Mandarin
Contact: Sarah Spence | spence@plsinfo.org

Mon, 5/10- 6:30pm-7:30pm | Museum of Mental Health
Location: Zoom (Registration Form) 
Details: Visit museum, located on the site of the 130-year-old hospital used as the filming location for the Academy Award-winning movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and now dedicated to education and fostering understanding of the many issues of mental illness, and helping to remove stigma.
Language: English
Contact: John Weaver | jnweaver@menlopark.org

Wed, 5/12- 1pm-2:30pm | Photovoice Panel Presentation by LEEW & Co
Location: Zoom Link or Dial 669-900-6833 (Meeting ID: 934 8070 2047 | Passcode: 207173)
Details: The Photovoice ‘Hope for Change’ project theme will encourage participants to frame their Photovoice stories around Hope, Resilience, Community Inclusion and mental health wellness. Their stories will share recovery and wellness journeys and processes in ways that will be clear, concise and connecting journals of human experience that will touch and engage members of the public.
Language: English
Contact: Jairo Wilches | JWilches@smcgov.org or Lee Harrison | LEHarrison@smcgov.org 

Wed, 5/12- 6pm-7pm | Meditation as an Approach to Handle Anxiety Uncertainty
Location: Via Zoom (Registration Form) 
Details: We’re living in a time that often feels confusing and stressful. People are more anxious and many experience a struggle to stay positive and true to our inner core. Through regular meditation, we can experience profound peace, bliss, and happiness.
Umesh Bhatia, a long-time meditator, will share the scientific research around meditation and offer a simple meditation technique you can use every day. We look forward to seeing you at this informative and centering experience.
Language: English
Contact: Jessic Ormonde | Ormonde@smcl.org

Wed, 5/12 – 6pm-7:30pm | Book Discussion on Emergent Strategy
Location: Zoom (Registration link)
Details: Join us for a book discussion on Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown, with a look to how to cultivate a culture of care and wellness in our community, with moderation from Nethra Samarawickrema & Yuri Zaitsev of the Listening Lab. You can find more about Nethra & Yuri’s workshops at https://www.listenuplab.com/workshops. This is part of our Burlingame Reads 2021 program focusing on environmental justice, equity, and community care, featuring Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler and Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown. You can find more information on the series here. 
Language: English
Flyer: TBA
Contact: Elaine Tai | tai@plsinfo.org | 650-558-7400

Thurs, 5/13- 11:30am-12:30pm | Vinyasa Yoga
Location: Virtual (Registration Form) 
Details: The vinyasa flow workshops involve more physically demanding work and options will be offered to make them accessible for all. Classes typically begin with grounding breathing techniques to tap into your parasympathetic (rest & digest) response. From there, you’ll enjoy a gentle warm up before getting into a moving meditation as you flow from one pose to another with your breath. Sessions will focus on relieving stress and rejuvenating your body.
Language: English
Contact: Darren Heiber | heiber@smcl.org

Thurs, 5/13- 6:30pm-7:45pm | Live & Aloud – Gaby Castro, Musician
Location: Zoom (Registration Form) 
Details: Gaby Castro is a San Francisco Bay Area-based singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, model, actress, and activist. She has released three studio albums and one EP of original music, performed nationally and internationally, including as a regional semi-finalist in one of the biggest battle of the bands in the world Hard Rock Rising. Gaby plays guitar, piano/keyboards, ukulele, mandolin, and hand percussion. She has studied contemporary voice under Angela Arana since July 2009, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition – Songwriting and a Master of Arts in Music Business through Berklee Online and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.  Strongly an advocate for mental illness awareness, Gaby often writes songs that touch on her personal struggles and the struggles of those around her. She hopes as a songwriter and musician to create a positive change regarding the way mental illness is treated in today’s society by initiating conversations on the difficult topic.
Language: English
Contact: Roz Kutler | 650-780-7059 | rkutler@redwoodcity.org

Thurs, 5/13- 7pm-8pm | SafeSpace: screening Many Generations, One Conversation 
Location: Zoom Link
Details: Has batallado para conversar con tu familia sobre la salud mental? Te preguntas si esto SOLO te esta sucediendo a ti? Tu NO estas solo(a). En SafeSpace te invitamos a unirte a nosotros en una discusión sobre la salud mental y los adolescentes, algunas percepciones erróneas al respecto, y ver un video que resaltara la reducción de la brecha generacional y cultura mientras aborda los desafíos en torno al estigma. SafeSpace es una organización dirigida por jóvenes y centrada en la salud mental que permite a los jóvenes participar abiertamente en sus escuelas y comunidades. Crean e implementan iniciativas para cambiar la conversación sobre la salud mental educando y animando a sus compañeros a hablar, apoyar a otros y buscar ayuda cuando sea necesario.  
Language: Spanish
Contact: Annie Kim | Annie@safespace.org

Thurs, 5/13- 8pm-9pm | SafeSpace: screening Many Generations, One Conversation 
Location: Zoom Link
Details: Have you struggled with having conversations with your family about mental health? Do you find yourself questioning if this is ONLY happening to you? You are NOT alone. We at SafeSpace invite you to join us in a rich discussion about teen mental health, some misperceptions about it, and watch a video that will highlight bridging the generational and cultural gap while addressing the challenges around stigma. SafeSpace is a youth-led, mental health-focused organization that empowers young people to engage openly with their local schools and communities. They create and implement initiatives to change the conversation around mental health by educating and encouraging their peers to speak up, support others, and seek help when needed.   
Language: English
Contact: Annie Kim | Annie@safespace.org

Fri, 5/14- 4pm-5pm | Music for Mental Health: Kimberlye Gold
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Bay Area singer/songwriter Kimberlye Gold will join us to share pop/rock/R&B/country originals and covers. Kimberlye says that music has always been the medicine for the highest peaks and dark nights of her soul, inspiring her every step on her lifelong journey to create and reach out to touch others.
Language: English
Contact: John Weaver | jnweaver@menlopark.org

Fri, 5/14- 6pm-8pm | “This is Crazy: Criminalizing Mental Health” A Film By: Brave New Films
Location: Zoom Webinar ID: 939 9524 2833
Details: A short documentary which highlights stories of individuals with mental illnesses who have found themselves in a dysfunctional prison system rather than getting proper care. Followed by a panel discussion focusing on advocacy and the importance of decriminalizing Mental Health through lived experience.
Language: English
Flyer: Here
Contact: Yraes Guerrero and Greg Thompson | info@vorsmc.org

Mon, 5/17- 12pm-1pm | Mental Health & Pets
Location: Via Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Join us for a lunchtime talk with speakers from Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and Office of Diversity & Equity. They will share their pets on zoom and talk about their experiences. Participants are welcome to have their own pets nearby if they want to introduce them. 
Language: English
Contact: Cynthia Rider | rider@plsinfo.org | 650-558-7407

Mon, 5/17 to Fri, 5/21 | Starts 4pm Mon, 5/17 | SMC Youth Conference
Location: Registration Link
Details: A 5-day virtual youth conference event to heal and educate on mental health challenges and substance use. 
Language: English
Contact: Stella Chau | schau@smcgov.org

Tues, 5/18- 12pm-1:30pm | AAPI Anti-Stigma Speaker Panel “Hope For Change”
Location: Zoom Link
Details: A Special Seeing Through Stigma Panel Honoring
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Language: English
Flyer
Contact: Bevin Love | belove@heartandsoulinc.org.

Tues, 5/18- 3-4:30pm | And Still We Rise: Resilience and Survival in the BIPOC Communities
Location: Registration Link
Details: Inspiring #HopeForChange through hearing voices of the BIPOC Communities. Conversations with several BIPOC community’s members and discussions of our #HopeForChange.
Language: English
Contact: John Butler | newhope8@aol.com and Pamela Ward Pious | wpam3238@gmail.com, (650) 669-5610 (text message only)

Wed, 5/19- 10am-11:30am | Spiritual Ideation: Mental Wellness 
Location: Zoom (Registration Link) 
Details: A panel will share the role of their faith and/or spiritual practices in supporting resilience, wellness and recovery. They will share how nurturing their spiritual needs leads to whole person wellness, how their faith, faith communities and spiritual practices support their wellness.
Language: English
Contact: John Butler | newhope8@aol.com & Jean Perry | jeanpv78@gmail.com

Wed, 5/19- 3pm-5pm | Growth Mindset
Location: Virtual (Registration Link) 
Details: Students (teens and young adults) will learn to change fixed mindsets into a growth mindset by developing a plan of action (I will, I can approaches).
Language: English
Contact: Dyan de Jager | ddejager@redwoodcity.org

Wed, May 19 - 6pm-7pm | Meditación con Pablo Gonzalez
Location: Por favor regístrese aquí.
Details: Nos centraremos en la meditación de atención plena, que es una práctica basada en la atención plena y la vivencia del momento presente. Después de proporcionar la instrucción básica, habrá una sesión de meditación en silencio de 20 minutos que será seguida por una discusión sobre la meditación. Se aconseja a los participantes que usen ropa cómoda y un cojín o almohada. Se requiere registro.
Language: Spanish
Contact: Katie Donner | donner@plsinfo.org | 650-829-3860

Wed, 5/19- 6pm-7:30pm | Healing Hope: Intimate Partner Abuse Survivor Panel 
Location: Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 928 2947 2798
Details: Join us for a discussion and poetry reading assurvivors of intimate partner abuse share howabuse affected their mental health and what their healing journey has been like.
Language: English & Spanish with simultaneous interpretation
Flyer
Contact: jennar@corasupport.org

Thurs, 5/20- 11:30am-12:30pm | Gentle Chair Yoga
Location: Virtual (Registration Form) 
Details: Chair yoga uses the chair as a prop for support (standing or seated). These classes will begin with centering, followed by yoga warm-ups, yoga postures, concentration & breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and meditation. Chair yoga is accessible to any level of health or mobility. As you practice, you’ll receive the benefits of increased flexibility, physical and mental strength, energy, clarity, overall health and peace.
Language: English
Contact: Darren Heiber | heiber@smcl.org

Thurs, 5/20- 4pm-5pm | Family Talk: Vaping
Location: Zoom Link Passcode: 315479
Details: A live panel of presenters from SMFCSD and SMUHSD will be hosting the discussion. All of the presenters work in the field of TUPE (“Tobacco Use Prevention Education”) and work with youth directly.Some of the topics covered will be: What are vapes and what do they contain? What are the health risks? Why do teens use them? How can you help a young person who is using nicotine? We create opportunities throughout the webinar to engage in conversation with your child/teen as we cover the above topics. Parents/caregiver(s) and your child/teen(s) are welcome to attend the talk.
Language: English
Contact: Laura Adams ladams@smuhsd.org, Joanne Michels, jmichels@smuhsd.org

Thurs, 5/20- 7pm-8pm | Mental Health and Music with Gaby Castro
Location: Via Zoom (Registration Link) 
Details: Gaby Castro combines her experience living with depression and anxiety with powerful, poignant songwriting to bring a performance surrounding mental health and music to the Bay Area. Armed with a guitar and gentle voice, this Bay Area native hopes to use her stories to lessen the stigma around mental illness with songs that speak to living within the space between helplessness and hope. Playing original songs from her two albums, she will share the lived experience that inspired them. A question and answer session will follow the performance.
Language: English
Contact: Chris Lu | luc@smcl.org

Fri, 5/21- 1pm-2:30pm | Growth and Recovery in the Face of Challenges: Re-examining Myths About Mental Health
Location: Zoom (Registration Link) 
Details: A panel of older adults will share their lived experience of continuing on their recovery path despite challenges. Whether change is intentional or imposed, good or bad, we can be empowered to continue toward recovery using strengths we find from hope, purpose, family, community connections, services & support, spirituality, creativity.
Language: English
Contact: John Butler | newhope8@aol.com & Jean Perry | jeanpv78@gmail.com

Fri, 5/21- 6pm-8pm | Healing Hope with Expressive Arts 
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Join us for an evening of free programming co-hostedby CORA, the SMC Office of Diversity and Equity & The San Mateo County Pride Center where communitymembers are invited to create art and celebrate
Mental Health Awareness Month
Language: English
Flyer
Contact: Azisa Todd | azisa.todd@sanmateopride.org

Mon, 5/24- 12pm | Solutions for Supportive Homes: Possibilities and Progress
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Provider Panel and Parent Discussion
Language: English
Contact: Melinda Henning | melinda@melindahenning.com

Tues, 5/25- 3pm-4:30pm | Visualizing Mental Wellness: a Graphic Novel presentation from Peers
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Join us for a virtual panel discussion from the authors and illustrators of San Mateo County’s first graphic novel about mental health. 
Language: English
Contact: John Butler | newhope8@aol.com

Tues, 5/25- 6:30pm-8pm | Changing the Stigma: Youth Led Discussion
Location: Zoom (Registration link in flyer) 
Details: Join us for a virtual youth led panel discussion among peers to help spread awareness and education around mental health and wellness.
Language: English
Contact: Brenda Nuñez | hapy@star-vista.org | (650)477-4295

Tues, 5/25 (also 6/1) – 6pm-8pm | Listening Lab Workshops w/ Nethra Samarawickrema & Yuri Zaitsev
Location: Zoom (Registration Link) 
Details: Join us for workshops to discuss and practice tools that allow us to connect, hold difficult conversations, and better understand each other. You can find more about Nethra & Yuri’s workshops at https://www.listenuplab.com/workshops . This is part of our Burlingame Reads 2021 program focusing on environmental justice, equity, and community care, featuring Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler and Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. You can find more information on the series here. 
Language: English
Contact: Elaine Tai | tai@plsinfo.org | 650-558-7400

Wed, 5/26- 4pm-6pm | Felton Institute (re)MIND/BEAM Open House and Early Psychosis Informational Session
Location: Virtual Link
Details: Please join the staff of the Felton Institute (re)MIND and BEAM progams at their Open House event. It will start with a presentation on early psychosis to educate the community on warning signs, progression, interventions and reduce stigma around asking for mental health support. Team members will introduce themselves and their specialty services, and show how their help increases client independence, speeds recovery, and supports goal achievement. Community members will have a chance to ask questions of each staff and see the site itself, which is actively in use for client services.
Language: English & Spanish
Contact: Sydney Hoff | shoff@felton.org

Thurs, 5/27- 10am-11am | “Our Voices, Our Stories of Resilience and Hope” Digital Stories and Resilience Panel
Location: Zoom Link
Details: Sharing our stories of recovery, wellness, resilience, and hope via Digital Storytelling and a Resilience Speaker Panel. 
Language: English
Contact: Amaal Greenwood-Goodwin | amaalgg@heartandsoulinc.org | 650-759-7753

Thurs, 5/27- 11:30am-12:30pm | Vinyasa Yoga
Location: Virtual (Registration Form) 
Details: The vinyasa flow workshops involve more physically demanding work and options will be offered to make them accessible for all. Classes typically begin with grounding breathing techniques to tap into your parasympathetic (rest & digest) response. From there, you’ll enjoy a gentle warm up before getting into a moving meditation as you flow from one pose to another with your breath. Sessions will focus on relieving stress and rejuvenating your body.
Language: English
Contact: Darren Heiber | heiber@smcl.org

Thu, 5/27- 6pm-7pm | Cafe de Padres 
Location: Zoom ID: 924 6665 6638 o en el chat del Facebook Vivo de Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center o Friends for Youth
Details: Únase con PCRC y La Iniciativa WHY para un panel y charla sobre la salud mental y los obstáculos que experimentamos en la cultura Latinx. Crearemos un espacio seguro para tener discusión con los panelistas y asistentes. ¿Cómo adaptamos a una sociedad virtual y cuáles vistas tradicionales y actuales podemos aplicar para apoyar la salud mental de los jóvenes y de nosotros mismos?
Language: Spanish
Contact: Sarah Norman | sarahnorman@friendsforyouth.org 

Fri, 5/28- 2:30pm-3:30pm | Music for Mental Health: Frances Ancheta
Location: Zoom (Registration Link)
Details: Frances Ancheta, singer/songwriter and musician, will share a performance combining storytelling of her life experiences as both a post-partum depression and breast cancer survivor, and her acoustic music (vocals, acoustic guitar). She will be singing a combination of original and cover songs, highlighting her songs from her three released albums.
Language: English
Contact: John Weaver | jnweaver@menlopark.org

Fri, 5/28- 7pm-8:30pm | NAMI SMC General Meeting – Peer Speaker, “Getting to Calm, A Personal Story of Health and Healing from Depression
Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 886 7915 7741 | ONE TAP MOBILE +16699006833,,88679157741
Details: Ingrid Peterson is from Kailua, Hawaii and earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Stanford, with a concentration in
Developmental Psychology. Ingrid has dedicated much of her professional career to education, teaching from preschool through high school levels, first as an educator at Bing Nursery School, Laboratory Preschool of the Psychology Department at Stanford University.
Language: English & Spanish
Flyer: PDF
Contact: Carrie DuBois | 650-638-0800

Ongoing – Living Works Start Training for Students and Teachers/Staff
Location: Virtual 
Details: Calling all middle and high school students (ages 13+) and staff in California to get trained in suicide prevention!​ If you are an employee working in any public middle or high school in California,
you are eligible to complete this training at no cost.
Language: English
Contact: 1-866-956-6139 | communications@livingworks.net

Activities

• Nature Meditation narrated by Park Ranger, Katherine Wright
• Lime-Green Sugar Cookie + Limeade Recipes
• Each Mind Matter’s 2021 MHM Activation Kit
• Headspace App (Free for San Mateo County Residents Through 9/14/2021) 
• Parks Department Take a Hike Challenge
• 2021 MHM Virtual Background

Proclamations

Mental Health Month (MHM) Proclamations are annual declarations of a May Mental Health Month made by public elected officials.  Proclamations are an opportunity for public officials and the greater community to recommit to the importance of promoting wellness for anyone facing mental health or substance use issues. 

You can participate in your local proclamation by making a public comment (written or verbal). More information on websites of each local jurisdiction. 

**Tues, 5/4- 9am | San Mateo County MHM Proclamation**
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 4/26- 7pm | Daly City MHM Proclamation 
Location: Youtube Livestream Link

Mon, 4/26- 7pm | Pacifica MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Tues, 4/27- 7pm | Belmont MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Tues, 4/27- 7pm | Millbrae MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Tues, 4/27- 7pm | San Bruno MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Wed, 4/28- 6pm | South San Francisco MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Wed, 4/28- 7pm | Portola Valley MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 5/3- 6:30pm | Foster City MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 5/3- 7pm | Burlingame MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 5/3- 7pm | San Mateo MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Tues, 5/4- 7pm | Half Moon Bay MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Thurs, 5/6- 7:30pm | Brisbane MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 5/10- 6pm | Hillsborough MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 5/10- 7pm | Redwood City MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Tues, 5/11- 5pm | Menlo Park MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Wed, 5/12- 7pm | Colma MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Wed, 5/19- 6pm | Atherton MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Mon, 5/24- 7pm | San Carlos MHM Proclamation 
Location: Info + to join

Event Coordinator Resources

This section includes resources for those who are helping coordinate or plan Mental Health Month events. 

• Programming

  • 2021 Mental Health Month Event Schedule (Coming Soon!)
  • Storytelling - Digital Stories and Photo Voice
  • Lived Experience Academy Speakers
• ​Marketing
  • 2021 MHM Official Flyer 
  • 2021 MHM Communication Calendar (This is a live document and will be updated over time)
  • ​2021 MHM Event Flyer Template [Editable]
  • 2021 MHM Virtual Background 
  • Mental Health Month Graphics 
    • Badge: Version A, Version B, Version C
    • Web Banner: Version A, Version B, Version C
    • Ribbon: Version A, Version D, Version F
    • Social Media: Version A, Version B, Version I
• Media Release
  • Small Group of Individuals: English, Spanish, Chinese Simplified, Tagalog, Russian 
    • Please save originals or scanned copies of signed media release forms and email to Sylvia Tang (stang@smcgov.org) or Kristie Lui (KFLui@smcgov.org).  Individuals can fill the form out and sign, especially if they will be prominently featured.​​​​ Note: If you are photographing a larger meeting or event, you can use the Crowd Photo Notice below.
  • Larger Meetings or Events: English (JPEG, PDF), Spanish (JPEG, PDF), Chinese Simplified (JPEG, PDF), Tagalog (JPEG, JPEG), Russian (JPEG, PDF) 
    • Use this notice when photographing large groups, when having people sign individual media releases isn’t practical. Example: A County meeting or other event attended by many members of the public. The notice should be placed in a prominent area, such as at a registration table or on the wall(s) for in-person events or presentation slide for virtual events. Also, a verbal mention in any welcome address when possible is strongly advised.
• Evaluation
  • 2021 Mental Health Month Demographic and Evaluation Survey
• Facilitation
  • Toolkit: Support for Individuals on Social and Digital Media (by National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
  • 2021 Mental Health Month Chat Script Template
  • 2021 Mental Health Month Presentation Template
• Additional Resources
  • 2021 Mental Health Month Mini-Grant and Event Support Application (Closed)
  • 2021 Mental Health Month Activation Kit (by Each Mind Matters)

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the 2021 MHM Planning Co-Chairs, Sylvia Tang at STang@smcgov.org or Kristie Lui at KFLui@smcgov.org. 

2021 Planning Committee

Each year, the Office of Diversity and Equity at Behavioral Health Recovery Services partners up with local agencies, clients/consumers and family members, and community members to coordinate Mental Health Month. 

Interested to join the 2021 Mental Health Month Planning Committee? You may find our meeting schedule here. 

Thank you to our 2021 MHM Planning Committee for all your hard work! 

#BeTheOneSMC

Stand Up For Mental Health this May!

One in four people have a mental health condition yet less than half are getting the help they need—many because they are afraid others will judge them.

You can be the one to help change that.

San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is raising awareness about the important role mental health plays in our lives and encouraging members of the community to learn more about their own mental health and to take action if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental health conditions.

Throughout the month, you can learn more about local resources as well as find hope and inspiration through personal stories and by connecting with the greater San Mateo County community to reduce stigma and ensure San Mateo County is a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

Learn more about our Be The One SMC stigma reduction campaign and visit the Be The One photo gallery and check out how community members are making a difference!

#BeTheOneSMC to make a difference

Half of the people with mental health conditions develop symptoms by age 14. The longer someone waits to get help, the longer their recovery process becomes.

It often takes 10 years from the first time someone has mental health concerns until he or she gets a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Would you wait 10 years to get help if you were experiencing symptoms of cancer or diabetes?

So what can you do? You can:

• Participate in Mental Health Month events (see above).
• Pledge to help stop stigma. Each of us has the power to make our community a welcoming, safe place for everyone.
• Learn the early warning signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and don’t be afraid to ask for help for yourself or a loved one.
• Post a personal message to our Be The One photo gallery.

Mental health conditions are not only common, they are treatable. There is a wide variety of treatment options for mental illnesses ranging from talk therapy to medication to peer support, and it may take some time for a person to find the right treatment or combination of treatments that works best for them. But when they do, the results can be truly amazing and life changing.

It’s up to all of us to know the signs and take action so that mental health conditions can be caught early and treated, and we can live up to our full potential. We know that intervening effectively during early stages of mental illness can save lives and change the trajectories of people living with mental health conditions. Be aware of your mental health and see your current provider or primary care physician for a screening today.

Contact

To get involved with or find out more about Mental Health Month, please contact the 2021 MHM Planning Co-Chairs, Sylvia Tang at STang@smcgov.org or Kristie Lui at KFLui@smcgov.org.