Supporting Recovery Through Enhanced Treatment & Expanded Services

New Organized Delivery System Serving More People

Clara Boyden, Deputy Director, BHRS Alcohol and Other Drug Services

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.  

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FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

Scott Gilman, MSA, CBHE

This year marks the 30^th 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.   

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New Opioid Treatment Protocol Facilitates Timely Access to Care

IMAT and Emergency Department Pave the Way

Tihanna McCleese, BHRS Communications

The opioid epidemic continues to have a devastating impact across the country.  Every day in the United States, 78 people die from an opioid overdose; this number has nearly quadrupled since 1999.  Here in San Mateo County drug-related deaths accounted for 2% of all deaths in 2017.  

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Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We Are Stronger

Celebrating National Recovery Month

Tihanna McCleese, BHRS Communications

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.  

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Recovery Happens

Personal stories of hope, resilience and recovery

Tihanna McCleese, BHRS Communications

As we honor both National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month in September, it’s important to acknowledge the intrinsic link between the two epidemics.

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Suicide Prevention Month

#IMHEREFORYOU

Sylvia Tang, Community Health Planner

September is Suicide Prevention Month (SPM), which includes National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). This month, individuals and organizations around the country join their voices to amplify the message that suicide can be prevented, and that resources are available to support ourselves and others.  

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Clara Boyden Named Deputy Director, Alcohol & Other Drug Services

For Behavioral Health & Recovery Services

Clara Boyden has been named to serve as the first Deputy Director for BHRS Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Services.  AOD programs and services are critical to meet the needs of our community and this is a significant step in providing integrated behavioral health service at all levels. 

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From Suicide to Service

Suicide Survivor Says Crisis Line Volunteer Work Helps Himself & Others

Tihanna McCleese, BHRS Communications

Crisis center counselors are at the forefront of the work being done in San Mateo County to help reduce the risk of suicide and to promote mental wellness.

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Palm Avenue Detox’s Certification Expands Continuum of Care Services

County & State’s 1st Certified Standalone Residential Withdrawal Facility

Sheryl Uyan, AOD Supervisor

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.

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Canyon Oaks Youth Center Receives STRTP license and CARF Accreditation

Enhanced Programs and Services for Foster Youth

Ziomara Ochoa, Clinical Services Manager

After a three-year process, Canyon Oaks Youth Center (COYC) Residential Treatment Facility completed the conversion from a Level 14 Youth Group Home to a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) and the program received their permanent STRTP License on June 1st.

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Laurel House Transitions To Meet Demand for Men’s Residential Treatment Services

Previously serving women only

Eliseo Amezcua, BHRS Supervisor

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.

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Representative Payee Service Changes

Services Transitioning to Life Inc. as of July 1

Terry Wilcox-Rittgers, Clinical Services Manager

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. 

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Survey Points to Need to Engage Parents to Address Cannabis Use

Cannabis Decoded Youth Education Campaign

Edith Cabuslay, Community Health Promotion Unit

[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.

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Things Are “Blooming” at the David Lewis Reentry Center

Garden

José Cabrera, David Lewis Reentry Center

The David Lewis Reentry Center is excited to announce the re-opening of its gardening program.  Thanks to the help of new county funding sources and the dedication of amazing volunteers, the garden is once again in bloom and open to the public. 

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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. 

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