Related Content
Article
Be Safe. Be Responsible.
Know the health effects of cannabis use
The New Year brought with it the legalization of cannabis in California. While medical marijuana has been legal in the state for over two decades, California voters took to the ballots last November to approve of Proposition 64, legalizing recreational cannabis.
Article David A. Young, PhD, MPH, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
From David’s Desk
I began writing this column early in February, intending to focus on Black History Month and to highlight a few countywide events and activities. Then the shootings occurred in Parkland, and the world’s attention turned to yet another gun violence tragedy.
Article Joseph Gutierez, IMAT Case Manager
Client Returns to San Mateo Medical Center to Thank Staff
Recovery with integrated medication assisted treatment
During the first six months of 2017, Jorge was a frequent visitor to both the emergency department (ED) at San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) and psychiatric emergency services (PES). Suffering from severe substance use issues and a history of trauma, he would often come in with a nearly fatal blood alcohol level.
Article Pernille Gutschick, Clinical Services Manager
SMART-er over time
San Mateo Assessment and Referral Team
Implemented in 2005, the San Mateo Assessment and Referral Team (SMART) program is the first and only of its kind in California.
Developed in collaboration between multiple agencies as a community resource, the program is funded in part by Measure K and the Mental Health Services Act. There are currently two SMART vans covering the county from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Article Narges Dillon, Brenda Nunez and Islam Hassanein, StarVistaNancy Chen, Office of Diversity and Equity
Empowering Youth to be Change Agents
Health Ambassador Youth Program
The Health Ambassador Program for Youth (HAP-Y) is an innovative and community-developed program delivered by StarVista. It is designed for youth ages 16 to 24 who are interested in advocating for communities that have been touched by mental health challenges, raising awareness about mental wellness and increasing access to mental health services.
Article Betty Gallardo, Supervising Mental Health Clinician
Delivering Clients the Right Level of Care
Collaborative Care Team
The Collaborative Care Team (CCT) launched in March 2016 as a Health System collaboration between BHRS, the San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) and Aging and Adult Services (AAS). It sprang from a need to increase client flow throughout the system’s various levels of care, and prevent clients from becoming “stuck” in an inappropriate or higher level of care than needed, including the SMMC inpatient psychiatric unit and other acute care settings.
Article
StarVista Launches New Youth Website
Peer to peer chat reaches youth in crisis
In January, StarVista, a San Mateo County community based mental health provider, launched its fully renovated youth website, OnYourMind.net. This expansion of services was also a win for the teen volunteers who run the site and advocated for the changes.
Article
Fond Farewells
Jei Africa, Linford Gayle, Diane Dworkin and John Klyver
Jei Africa
After almost 11 years with San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Dr. Jei Africa left his post as director of the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) on March 2 to serve as director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services in Marin County.
Article Helene Zimmerman & NAMI SMC Staff
Consumer Hall of Fame
Alan Cochran Honored
Every year, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission (MHSARC) recognizes individuals who have found their way to a path of wellness and recovery from mental illness and are active in the consumer movement to better the lives of other consumers in the county.
Article Doris Estremera, Mental Health Services Act Manager
Mental Health Services Act Update
Prop 63
New MHSA Innovations (INN) Funding Cycle
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) INN component allows counties to fund projects which develop new best practices in behavioral health. Planning for INN projects is tied to the MHSA three-year planning process. The most recent MHSA needs assessment engaged over 400 diverse stakeholders including clients/consumers and family members, youth, parents, community-based agency representatives, isolated and higher need communities, MHSA-funded programs and the MHSA Steering Committee.
Article Doris Estremera, Mental Health Services Act Manager
Cultural Humility, Equity & Inclusion
An Inclusive Approach
BHRS has long been committed to strategies that embrace diversity, improve the quality of services and eliminate inequities and barriers to care for marginalized cultural and ethnic communities. From our core values to our culturally competent services and programs, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services continues to be a pioneer in the field of behavioral health equity, cultural humility and inclusion.
Article Doris Estremera, Mental Health Services Act Manager
Workforce Education & Training Impact Study
MHSA's 10 year funding comes to a close
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) has provided dedicated funding to transform behavioral health systems and improve the quality of life for individuals living with behavioral health conditions. Workforce Education and Training (WET) strategies received a one-time $3,437,600 funding allocation in Fiscal Years 2006 to 2008, with a ten-year timeframe to expend the allocated funds. With MHSA WET funding ending in 2018, BHRS is preparing to sustain the most effective and impactful elements of these investments.
Article
Events, Trainings, Announcements & More
Announcements
Take the San Mateo County youth marijuana survey
Tell us what you think! BHRS’ Community Health Promotion Unit and the San Mateo County Youth Commission are conducting a survey to understand marijuana knowledge, attitudes and behavior among youth and young adults. The survey is open to 12-25 year olds who live, work, and/or go to school in San Mateo County, until the end of March.