Libraries to Promote Words of Wellness

Mental Health Awareness Month Aims to Reduce Stigma

During the month of May, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services joins the state and country in promoting Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) to inspire action towards reducing stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and substance use conditions.

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From the Director’s Desk

Scott Gilman, MSA, CBHE

May is national Mental Health Awareness Month and it marks my fifth month with BHRS. It is an exciting time as BHRS and our partners will be hosting a variety of interesting events aimed at reducing stigma and increasing awareness of mental health and substance abuse needs in our county. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet each of you at one of these events, or over the summer as I continue my orientation to this wonderful community.

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Stories of Hope

Inspirational Stories of Recovery

The sharing of a personal story can be self-reflective, educational, de-stigmatizing and incredibly empowering. The following stories of hope, resilience and recovery are from those who have experienced mental health and substance use issues. These individuals are sharing their stories in the hope that others will be inspired to seek help, and join them on the path to recovery.

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2019 Consumer Hall of Fame Award

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission

Each year, the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission recognizes individuals who have found their way to a path of wellness and recovery from a mental health condition and have been active in the consumer movement to better the lives of other consumers in the county.  This year, the commission recognized Daric Desautel, a San Mateo County native with a background in education, advocacy, and social justice.

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Empowering Consumer and Family Member Voices

Lived Experience Academy Graduates 14 New Speakers

The BHRS Lived Experience Academy is a 10-hour training program that facilitates the development of consumers and family members as empowered leaders in San Mateo County who can represent the voices and interests of all BHRS clients, serve as recovery ambassadors and role models, and help reduce stigma.  Participants learn how to share their personal stories through inspirational, insightful and authentic testimonies, and demonstrate that with the right treatment, services and supports, many can and do recover.

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Holistic Care Approach Improves Client Outcomes

Total Wellness Integrates Mental and Physical Health Care

Shirley Chu, Supervising Mental Health Clinician, Total Wellness

On average, people with behavioral health issues die 25 years earlier than their peers. The shortened life span is often attributed to less access and more barriers to obtaining preventive and general health care, including the challenges of navigating and coordinating between separate general health and behavioral health systems;

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Barbara Mouton Multicultural Wellness Center

New Programs and Partnerships in East Palo Alto

Rev. William Chester McCall III, The Mouton Center/OEPA

On February 19, the Barbara A. Mouton Multicultural Wellness Center (The Mouton Center/TMC), located at 903 Weeks Street in East Palo Alto (EPA), CA held an Open House to celebrate new programs and partnerships forged over the past year.

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Funding for San Mateo County Pride Center Extended

1st of its Kind Center to Continue as an Innovation

Doris Estremera, Mental Health Services Act Manager

On March 28, 2019, San Mateo County Pride Center was approved for a two-year Innovation funding extension by the State of California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC).

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It Takes a Village: Building Strong Black Families

Celebrating Black History Month

Chyvonne S. Washington, African American Community Initiative Co-Chair

The February Black History Month event and health fair – “It Takes A Village: Building Strong Black Families” – focused on empowering African American families to build resiliency and coping methods for dealing with family stress and racism, educating our youth and families about managing law enforcement encounters, and to celebrate Black History Month.  Hosted by San Mateo County’s BHRS African American Community Initiative (AACI), the East Palo Alto event saw over 50 attendees. 

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Health Ambassador Making a Difference

Learning, Recovery & Service

Charo Martinez, BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity

Nearly 30 people have graduated from the BHRS Health Ambassador Program (HAP) since its inception in 2014. The program, dedicated to offering public education workshops geared towards empowering the community, provides residents with the ability to take the skills they learn and become a voice and support for their community. Health Ambassadors help link individuals to care by spreading awareness about BHRS resources and services and in turn helps BHRS better understand the community’s needs.    

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Mental Health Services Act Update

New Innovation Funding Cycle

Doris Estremera, MHSA Manager | Prop 63

MHSA Steering Committee 

The MHSA Steering Committee meets twice a year to make recommendations to the planning, funding and services development for MHSA.  During a recent meeting the following, the items were included for comment and approval:

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Blog & Events

Upcoming Events and Blog News

May 19 | Phoenix Garden Project Volunteer Day

Orchard Care Day!  Help us with the installation of tree cages, And continued planting, composting, watering, and work on pathways at 222 Paul Scannell Drive, San Mateo.  More info and additional volunteer dates in June, July and August. 

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