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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.
 2025 Hike-A-Thon Kick-Off Event
Join Nature Unplugged to kick-off their 2025 Hike-A-Thon on Saturday, September 27! This free, family-friendly event features wellness and nature themed booths with giveaways and fun activities for all ages. Following the kick-off event, hike for health and wellness in the digital age throughout October – join weekly ranger-led hikes hosted by County Parks every Saturday. Build community, discover new trails and experience the benefits of time in nature.
Want to start training today? Gear up for the Hike-A-Thon one trail at a time with the Live Well, Unplugged! social media campaign – find free community events, activity challenges, and health tips on Instagram and Facebook.
 Partner for Greater Impact
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2025 Live Well Advance and School Summit. Showcase your commitment to community wellbeing while receiving the benefits of connecting with leaders, changemakers, and mission-driven organizations.
Why Sponsor?
- Reach 2,000 influential attendees including policy makers, educators, health leaders, and community advocates
- Receive acknowledgement on event signage, the Live Well San Diego website, event media, and newsletter communications to over 24,000 subscribers!
- Be part of a movement to strengthen collective impact
Learn more and explore sponsorship levels at LiveWellSD.org/Advance.
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NEW! San Diego Welcomes Milenko Matanovic
Join us this September as San Diego welcomes Milenko Matanovic, acclaimed artist, community-builder, and founder of the Pomegranate Center, for a presentation that explores how we gather, collaborate, and engage communities in the design and planning of meaningful public spaces.
WHEN: Monday, September 15, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
WHERE: Balboa Park Club, Santa Fe Room, 2150 Pan American Road West, San Diego, CA 92101
For more information, please visit here!
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NEW! Request for Information: 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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Breaking the Sickle Cell Silence: Stories, Science, and Solutions
In observance of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, please join for Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson and Dr. Mary Brown for an informative webinar on sickle cell disease.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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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NEW! Healthy Aging Across the Lifespan Webinar
This virtual event will highlight 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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Cuidando al Cuidador: Diabetes, Demencia, y el Cuidador Familiar
Join us for a free, in-person workshop dedicated to empowering and informing family caregivers who care for someone with diabetes and/or dementia.
WHEN: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHERE: Dolores Magdaleno Memorial Recreation Center | 2902 Marcy Ave. San Diego, CA, 92113
This workshop will be held in Spanish.
Register and learn more, click here.
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NEW! 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.
WHEN: Saturday. October 11, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Conference Room A&C | 5469 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
To RSVP for this event, please visit here!
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NEW! Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG): The RCDG program aims to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development. Its primary objective is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations, who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.
- Application deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025
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Click here to apply!
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All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant: Grants are available to qualifying families with kids in grades K-12 and not-for-profit community-based recreational sports organizations in low-income areas on a need and first-come, first served basis as funds are available. Find out more information here!
- Rolling Application Review: Submit 30 days prior to the sports program registration deadline
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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.
- Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025
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Click here to apply!
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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: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Click here to apply!
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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.
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
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Smart & Final Charitable Foundation: Strives to give back to and nourish communities served in California, Arizona and Nevada through the Pillars of Focus: Health & Wellness, Education, Hunger Relief, Team Sports & Youth Development, and Disaster Relief.
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Kitchens for Good Microenterprise (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.
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Kin Project – Community Researchers for Food Justice: This year-long grant program supports individuals and groups in San Diego County to lead community-driven research advancing food justice. Offered by YMCA of San Diego County, UC San Diego, and partners, selected projects can receive up to $35,000—no nonprofit status required. Funding supports staffing, community engagement, materials, and more. Grantees also gain mentorship, training, and peer collaboration.
- Application deadline: Ongoing
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Click here to apply!
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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! Deadline Extended! Scoop From You(th) Challenge – Piece of Mind
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) invites San Diego youth and young adults (ages 12–25) to participate in the 2025 Scoop From You(th) Challenge: “Piece of Mind.” This challenge encourages participants to use art to explore emotions, increase self-esteem, promote emotional resilience, and support overall wellbeing.
Art submissions may include graphic design, painting, illustration, poetry, short story, dance, music, performance, film, photography, and/or animation.
Participants can win up to $900.
Extended Deadline to Submit: November 21st, 2025
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NEW! 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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Direct Cash Transfer Prevention Program (DCTP)
Now accepting interest forms for its second cohort, this 12-month program supports San Diego County young adults (ages 18–21) facing housing instability. Participants receive financial assistance, workshops, housing support, case management, and resource referrals. Eligibility: ages 18–21, San Diego County residents, at risk of housing instability (not currently homeless). A new interest form is required, even if previously submitted. Current Cohort 1 participants are ineligible.
For more details, click here!
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FastTrack Futures
FastTrack Futures reduces employment barriers for young adults by providing free job training, career coaching and paid internships along with a $500 monthly stipend during training. This no-cost program is open to San Diego County residents ages 18-28.
For more details, click here!
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Medi-Cal Program Changes (2026-2027) What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know
Medi-Cal coverage will continue to include the care and services you need. This means you will still have access to:
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Medical care – doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency services, and prescription drugs
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Behavioral health & preventive care – mental health and substance use disorder treatment, screenings, and immunizations
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Additional support – dental and vision care, long-term care, transportation, and other essential health benefits
To review the resources, click here!
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Shelter Ready
If your organization has shelter beds or temporary housing available, you can play a critical role in supporting San Diego County’s unhoused population, especially during emergencies. Register your organization at www.ShelterReady.org to join a network of partners ready to respond when help is needed most. Gain access to resources, training, and real-time coordination to serve vulnerable communities better.
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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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