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September 2019
Recovery Month & Suicide Prevention Month

Wellness Matters Newsletter

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Article Clara Boyden, Deputy Director, BHRS Alcohol and Other Drug Services
father and daughter looking at cell phone

Supporting Recovery Through Enhanced Treatment & Expanded Services
New Organized Delivery System Serving More People

Since launching the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC ODS) pilot in San Mateo County in February 2017, BHRS data has shown a 140% increase in the number of unique Medi-Cal beneficiaries served  annually by the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) provider network  - from 516 people in 2016 to 1,245 people in 2018.  DMC services billed to the State have also increased 206% since implementation.  This increase is due in part, to the increase in the number of&nbs

Article
Scott Gilman, BHRS Director

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Scott Gilman, MSA, CBHE

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) recognition of National Recovery Month, spreading the message that treatment is effective, and people can and do recover—every day, and over a decade of celebrating Recovery Month here in San Mateo County.   

Article Tihanna McCleese, BHRS Communications
Recovery Month Banner

Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We Are Stronger
Celebrating National Recovery Month

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of National Recovery Month, which celebrates the millions of Americans who have reclaimed their lives through recovery from substance use and mental health conditions, reminding us that treatment is effective and people can and do recover. The observance serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, potentially discouraging others from seeking help.  

Article Sheryl Uyan, AOD Supervisor
Front door Palm Ave Detox

Palm Avenue Detox’s Certification Expands Continuum of Care Services
County & State’s 1st Certified Standalone Residential Withdrawal Facility

As of July 1, Horizon Services’ Palm Avenue Detox began providing San Mateo County Medi-Cal beneficiaries with new residential withdrawal management services as a result of their recent certification under the county’s expanded Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (ODS), Continuum of Care.

Article Eliseo Amezcua, BHRS Supervisor
Laurel House

Laurel House Transitions To Meet Demand for Men’s Residential Treatment Services
Previously serving women only

On June 3, Laurel House, a program of HealthRIGHT 360, opened its doors to welcome adult men who need residential substance use treatment services in San Mateo County.  Laurel House was the first home opened by the Women’s Recovery Association in 1973 and originally its mission was to treat only women. The transition to now serve men as part of its treatability scope is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to HealthRIGHT’s commitment to the entire community and its partners.

Article Terry Wilcox-Rittgers, Clinical Services Manager
plastic card handed

Representative Payee Service Changes
Services Transitioning to Life Inc. as of July 1

Starting July 1, 2019, San Mateo County Health began transitioning their Representative Payee services to Life Inc.  Rep Payee services are provided to clients of BHRS and Aging & Adults Services who need assistance managing their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to ensure timely and appropriate payment of rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothes, and other essential daily living needs. 

Article Edith Cabuslay, Community Health Promotion Unit

Survey Points to Need to Engage Parents to Address Cannabis Use
Cannabis Decoded Youth Education Campaign

[Cannabis]Decoded (cannabisdecoded.org) is a San Mateo County marijuana education campaign for youth launched in 2018 by the BHRS Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention Program.  The campaign, guided by members of the San Mateo County Youth Commission, focuses on providing youth and adult allies with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use.

Article

More News & Events

North County Youth Clinic Now Open

The new BHRS clinic serving youth in North County is youth is now open and is located at 350 90th Street, 2nd Flr, Daly City, CA  94015, Ph: (650) 301-8650, Fax: (650) 877-5486.  Stay tuned for information on their grand opening. 

Lived Experience Academy Starts October 3

Learn how to share stories from your life to empower yourself and others, reduce stigma, improve the County’s services and develop your leadership skills.