Related Content
Article Lauren Mascarenhas, Communications Coordinator
Finding Housing in Recovery
For those who are recovering from mental health and/or substance use issues, the journey can be deeply humbling and sometimes harrowing. Unfortunately, for many in recovery, the journey does not end there. The task of finding a safe, affordable home to heal and to thrive in can feel like an impossible task, especially in San Mateo County, where the housing market is one of the most costly and competitive in the Bay Area.
Article Gilbert Gammad, Pride Center Youth Program Coordinator
Transgender Day of Remembrance
These are the names of the 23 trans people whose murders have been reported, here in the United States in 2017 alone. This does not include our trans siblings who were not able to live their lives outside of the closet. This does not include our trans siblings who were misgendered and misnamed in their passing. This does not include our trans siblings whose deaths go unreported.
Article David A. Young, PhD, MPH, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
From David’s Desk
I’d like to begin my first message by saying thank you for the warm and welcome reception that I’ve received here at BHRS. I recognize that since I have not previously worked in San Mateo County, nor held a leadership role with a neighboring county system, I’m somewhat of an unknown to folks here. So I appreciate the patience you’ve shown in explaining your programs and processes to me…and all those acronyms!
Article Cardum Harmon, Executive Director, Heart and Soul, Inc.
Lived Experience 2.0 Peer & Family Action Summit
Improving Roles of Peers, Consumers & Family Members in our System
What Does Collaboration Look Like?
At this year’s Lived Experience 2.0 Peer and Family Action Summit, San Mateo County peer providers, family members, clients, BHRS clinicians and County leadership answered this important question.
Article
For Youth in Crisis, Help and Hope
An unprecedented effort to prevent suicide and self-harm
A coalition of local leaders in schools, mental health, crisis intervention, law enforcement and government are utilizing Measure K funds to prevent suicide in our schools and community.
Article Chris Kernes, Director of Clinical Services San Mateo County, HealthRIGHT 360
HealthRIGHT 360 Opens New East Palo Alto Clinic
Engaging Positive Actions Outpatient Program
HealthRIGHT 360 (HR360) recently launched its new East Palo Alto (EPA) outpatient program, Engaging Positive Actions. The program strives to provide underserved youth with substance use disorder treatment and mental health support.
Article Colin T. Hart, Community Health Planner
Lived Experience is Expertise
MHSA Program Highlight
In the field of mental health and substance use, applicants may be asked on job interviews, “describe your experience and how it fits this role.” Education, training, and specific work experience may be the most common responses that demonstrate one’s qualifications to with individuals with mental health and substance use conditions.
Article Office of Diversity and Equity Staff
ODE Director, Jei Africa Honored
Immigrant Recognition Award and BAYMEC Legislator Award
On October 20, Dr. Jei Africa, Director of the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity, received the Immigrant Recognition Award for California’s 14th Congressional District from Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
During a time of community divisiveness and uncertainty for immigrant families, Congresswoman Speier sought to highlight the contributions of first generation immigrants in San Mateo County, one of the most diverse counties in California.
Article Ziomara Ochoa, Clinical Services ManagerWinnie Chan Wu, Program Coordinator
Community Healthcare & Immigration Forums
Amid looming changes to immigration laws and an increasingly heated national conversation about immigration, San Mateo County held two forums this month where community members could learn about important resources, share their experiences and get answers to their questions.
Article
NAMI Peer Pals
New Peer Support Program
NAMI San Mateo County is introducing a new peer support program called Peer Pals.
A Peer PAL is someone who is doing well in his or her recovery, and wants to share their friendship and support with a peer who is also experiencing mental illness.
Peer PALS receive monthly training in recovery and mentorship and are compensated for their time.
Article Melinda Ricossa, Spirituality Initiative Co-Chair
2nd Annual Day of Prayer
For Behavioral Health and Understanding
For the second time in San Mateo County, the National Day of Prayer for Behavioral Health Recovery and Understanding was recognized on Oct. 3. BHRS and NAMI co-sponsored the observance by inviting faith and secular leaders as well as consumers to participate in the hour long event.
Article
More News on the BHRS Blog
And Upcoming Events
News and Event Coverage
Like what you see here in Wellness Matters? Then you’ll love our Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Blog. It’s updated regularly and has everything from the latest BHRS news to thoughtful articles about behavioral health in San Mateo County and beyond.