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Announcements & News Stories |
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
In recognition of this month, Behavioral Health Services has developed a “Together in Hope” toolkit to raise awareness, share resources, and spread messages of hope. The toolkit includes downloadable materials on mental health and suicide prevention, social media content, virtual backgrounds, and more. Whether you're someone who is struggling, caring for a loved one, or coping with loss, this toolkit is here to remind you: you are not alone.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text 9-8-8.

What I Wish My Parents Knew
WIWMPK is a free parent-youth forum that uplifts youth voices, addresses community issues, and connects families with resources for well-being. Topics include fostering communication and bridging stigmas between parents and youth on “hard to talk about” topics, mental health and emotional wellness, conflict resolution tools, substance use trends, and school communication and expectations.
To RSVP for this event, please visit here!
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NEW! Request for Information (RFI): Sexual Treatment, Education, and Prevention Services (STEPS)
Sexual Treatment, Education, and Prevention Services (STEPS) is a countywide outpatient program for Medi-Cal eligible youth ages 6–21 with problematic sexual behaviors. The program provides therapy, case management, and psychiatric services to support safe, prosocial functioning at home, in school, and in the community.
WHEN: Monday, September 15, 2025 | 1:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual RFI Meeting
To register, please visit here!
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NEW! Lunch&Learn: Medi-Cal Transformation
Join for a 90-minute virtual event to hear more about services now available through Medi-Cal Transformation (CalAIM) in San Diego County, specifically Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports (CS). This event is geared toward those professionals who support Medi-Cal members, including advocates, providers, Community Health Workers, and others.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
For more information and to register, please visit here!
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Healthy Aging Across the Lifespan
This event will highlight the Southern Caregiver Resource Center and explore the concept of healthy aging as a lifelong process that supports physical, emotional, and social well-being across all stages of life. The webinar is intended for family caregivers and individuals of all ages.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
To register, please visit here!
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Day
DACA Days are free, in-person DACA Renewal appointments. If eligible for Renewal, representatives from either La Maestra Community Health Center or Jewish Family Service will provide legal representation at no cost.
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
WHERE: Jewish Family Service of San Diego | 8804 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
To make your appointment, please visit here!
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NEW! 10th University Block Party & Educational Resource Fair
This family friendly event features a variety of engaging activities, community resources, raffle prizes, the Live Well Library Bus, giveaways, and interactive play and thinking games. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate!
WHEN: Saturday, September 20th, 2025| 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Learning for All| 3575 Kenyon St., San Diego 92110
To RSVP for this event, please visit here!
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The State of Community Health: Healthcare in Action – A Vision for Our Future
This engaging gathering will spotlight innovative solutions, foster meaningful partnerships, and energize our shared commitment to advancing community health.
WHEN: Friday, September 26, 2025 | 7:45 AM – 11:45 AM
WHERE: Escondido Center of the Arts | 340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025
*Paid registration required
To register for this event, please visit here!
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McAlister Institute's 13th Annual Walk for Sobriety
The McAlister Institute is hosting their 13th Annual Walk for Sobriety! This celebration brings help and hope to thousands of individuals and families that have been impacted by addiction. All proceeds from the Walk for Sobriety benefit McAlister Institute, one of San Diego's leading resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery programs.
WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM
WHERE: NTC Park at Liberty Station | 2455 Cushing Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
*Paid registration required
To register for this event, please visit here!
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Hike-A-Thon Kick Off
Live Well San Diego and Nature Unplugged are hosting a kick-off event for the October Hike-A-Thon! This free, family-friendly event features wellness and nature themed booths with giveaways and fun activities for all ages. Park rangers will be there with a nature discovery table and animal ambassadors, along with offering a ranger-led hike along the scenic Los Peñasquitos Creek.
WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE: Los Peñasquitos Ranch House | 12122 Canyonside Park Drive, 92129
To learn more about the event, please visit here!
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San Diego Family Fun Fest
This free family event will have family resources, a kids' raffle, costume contests, trick-or-treating, Halloween crafts, inflatables, and more!
WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
WHERE: Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone | 6845 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
To register for this event or to learn more information, please visit here!
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TransFamily Support Services Boo Bash
TransFamily Support Services is hosting their 4th annual Boo Bash! This free Halloween party is for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, including advocates, allies, and neighbors. There will be trick-or-treating, a costume parade, family-friendly drag performances, and much more!
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE: Spring Valley Family Counseling Center | 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Registration is required for this event, please register here!
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Deadline Extended! Scoop From You(th) Challenge – Piece of Mind
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The County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency invites youth and young adults (ages 12–25) to join the 2025 Scoop From You(th) Challenge: "Piece of Mind." Use art to express emotions, boost self-esteem, and support mental wellness. Submit art, poetry, music, film, photography, and more.
To learn more or access outreach materials, visit the Youth and Young Adult Video & Visual Art Challenge Website or contact Engage.BHS@sdcounty.ca.gov.
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- Kin Project - Community Researchers for Food Justice Grant - This year-long program supports local leaders and community groups to design and lead their own research projects that advance food justice, rooted in lived experience and community knowledge. No formal research background is required—just curiosity, commitment, and a vision for change! Applications are due Friday, September 19, 2025.
- NEW! OCPSC Community Outreach and Enrollment Grant 2025 - OCPSC is partnering with community organizations across California to connect underserved communities with public service programs, leveraging local knowledge and cultural insight to ensure meaningful engagement. Application deadline is on Monday, September 22, 2025.
- NEW! Request for Proposals: Ad Hoc Public Messaging, Outreach, and Education Services - Provide ad hoc, or as needed, public messaging, outreach, and education services. Support promotion of Behavioral Health Services through responsive campaigns that raise awareness of resources, new programs, policy updates, and emphasize equity and culturally appropriate messaging. Application deadline is on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
- UC San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund - This scholarship offers eligible students a four-year $10,000 scholarship, renewable at $2,500 annually. It provides financial, academic, and personal support to over 200 students currently attending UCSD. Applications are due Sunday, November 30, 2025.
- Kitchens for Good Microenterprise (ME) Program - Kitchens for Good’s ME program accepts early-stage food entrepreneurs in San Diego, focusing on those who have experienced barriers to accessing the resources and support needed to start their small business. Applications are ongoing.
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Smart & Final Charitable Foundation - Committed to giving back, improving quality of life, and nourishing the communities. Focus giving's on Health & Wellness, Education, Hunger Relief, Team Sports & Youth Development, and Disaster Relief. Applications are ongoing.
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NEW! County Emergency Operations Plan
The Office of Emergency Services is updating the County of San Diego Emergency Operations Plan and invites partner organizations to provide feedback. This plan guides how the region responds to major emergencies and disasters. By participating, you can help shape priorities, identify service gaps, and improve coordination. Public comments are open through October 31, 2025, on the Engage San Diego County website.
For more information, please visit here!
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NEW! Mothers Inspiring Healthy Actions (MIHA) Program
Do you want to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle? UC San Diego invites you to participate in a study for mothers and their adult daughters interested in achieving a healthier weight. During a 24-week program, you will learn how to make lifestyle changes involving healthy eating and increased physical activity. The program is available at no cost.
To learn if you are eligible to participate, please call: (858) 255-0511
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Free Virtual Learning Series on the Virtual Connection Hub
The Virtual Learning Series is a curated collection of pre-recorded podcasts from Live Well San Diego recognized partners. This collective impact learning series includes health and wellness, community priorities, emergency information, and more!
To watch the Virtual Learning Series, click here or check out the Virtual Connection Hub.
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211 Community Calendar
211 San Diego recently launched their updated Community Calendar! The 211 Community Calendar is a regional calendar of events such as resource fairs, workshops, volunteer opportunities, screenings/health events, conferences, and more, all to offer access to resources for the community through one-time or recurring events. To submit events, please create an account. Learn more here.
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San Diego Food Resources
CalFresh - Apply for benefits
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Thank you!
Please forward to colleagues, staff, partners, and community members as you see fit. New subscribers can sign up here. If you have any questions on the content of this newsletter or have a San Diego County community event you would like to share with us, please email HHSA.communities@sdcounty.ca.gov.
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