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Announcements & News Stories |
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Check Your Mood
October is National Depression Screening Awareness Month and the launch of the updated Check Your Mood (CYM) campaign materials, a powerful opportunity to engage you and your community in mental health awareness and early intervention.
We're excited to share the CYM campaign, a free resource designed to help organizations bring mental health screening, support, and education directly to the people who need it most all year round.
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Distribute flyers and promote the campaign locally
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Host or support in-person screening events
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Set up a resource table with materials from the campaign
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Engage virtually using the e-toolkit and amplify awareness
Whether you're a community leader, educator, healthcare provider, or just passionate about mental wellness, your involvement makes a difference.
 San Diego County - Air Improvement Relief Effort Program
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, through its Air Improvement Relief Effort (AIRE) program, is distributing FREE air purifiers and up to two replacement filters to households affected by sewage gases near the Tijuana River Valley to help improve air quality. Please help promote this opportunity!
Apply for a free air purifier.
Learn more about the AIRE program and eligibility.
Registration Now Open!
Join us at the Live Well Advance and School Summit on October 22 at the San Diego Convention Center!
Connect with 2,000 local leaders, 40 breakout session presenters and 80 connection hub exhibitors for a day of inspiration and innovation as we reflect on 15 years of collective impact - creating healthy, safe and thriving communities together.
The day will begin with a Morning Keynote Session from Cassandra Worthy - who will introduce practical strategies to help us become enthusiastic about change and transform our work culture from surviving change to growing through change. Followed by breakout sessions, networking, Live Well on Wheels bus tours, self-care activities, performances, and more!
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City of Chula Vista Fire Department Open House
This free, family-friendly event will feature station tours, interactive demonstrations, and a fun scavenger hunt for kids, offering an engaging experience for all ages.
WHEN: Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Chula Vista Fire Department | 341 Orange Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911
For more information, visit Fire Department | City of Chula Vista.
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NEW! Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness Community Workshops
Chula Vista residents, your input is needed! The City of Chula Vista is developing its first Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness. There will be four community workshops, one in each council district. Come learn about the programs and policies already in place and share your ideas to help shape a 5-year roadmap for addressing homelessness in our community.
There are two upcoming events:
WHEN: Wednesday, October 15 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Loma Verde Recreation Center | 1420 Loma Ln, Chula Vista, CA 91911
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WHEN: Thursday, October 16 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Montevalle Recreation Center | 840 Duncan Ranch Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91914
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NEW! Youth Resource Fair
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Learn about local youth programs, resources, and services that support academic success, leadership, and personal growth helping every child thrive with strong community support.
WHEN: Saturday, October 18 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Imperial Beach Library | 810 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA 91932
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NEW! National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
San Diego County is hosting numerous participating locations across Northern, Central, Southern, Eastern, and Military divisions. The event accepts pet medication and liquid medication but strictly prohibits sharps, no sharps, and vapes.
WHEN: Saturday, October 25 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Various Locations
Participants can find more collection sites and information by scanning the QR code or visiting DEATakeBack.com.
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NEW! Domestic Violence Awareness Month Hope and Healing Families for Change
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and in celebration, the San Diego Domestic Violence Council (SDDVC) invites you to attend the events happening all throughout October 2025.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 29 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHERE: Rohr Park | 4548 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902
For more information, visit San Diego Domestic Violence Council.
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NEW! Veteran Community Mental Health Needs Focus Group
Focused on identifying the most pressing mental health and substance use challenges faced by veterans in San Diego County. Participants shared ideas for programs, services, and activities that could better support veterans’ well-being. The input gathered will contribute to a set of recommendations for the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services to guide future program development and service improvements across the region.
WHEN: Thursday, October 30 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE: Via Zoom
Register to be part of the focus group by visiting UC San Diego.
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Vision y Compromiso: Grupos de Apoyo
Vision y Compromiso está ofreciendo un grupo de apoyo GRATUITO de 8 semanas sobre adicción al juego de azar. El grupo de apoyo será únicamente en español.
CUÁNDO: Jueves, 30 de octubre | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
DÓNDE: Molina Healthcare Center | 689 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Para más información, comuníquese con:
Claudia Juarez (619) 361-4819.
Vision y Compromiso is offering a FREE 8-week Gambling Addiction support group. The support group will be in Spanish only.
WHEN: Thursday, October 30 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
WHERE: Molina Healthcare Center | 689 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911
For more information, contact Claudia Juarez (619) 361-4819.
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Cafecito con Alzheimer's San Diego
Alzheimer’s San Diego está ofreciendo un taller GRATUITO “Cafecito con Alzheimer’s”. El taller será únicamente en español.
CUÁNDO: cada lunes empezando el 29 de septiembre - 3 de noviembre | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
DÓNDE: Molina Healthcare Center | 689 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Para más información llame 858.492.4400 o visite
alzsd.org/classes.
Alzheimer’s San Diego is offering a FREE Cafecito con Alzheimer’s workshop. The workshop will be in Spanish only.
WHEN: Every Monday starting September 29 – November 3 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE: Molina Healthcare Center | 689 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911
For more information, call 858.492.4400 or visit alzsd.org/classes.
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NEW! Free Flu Shot Clinic
The National City Fire Department, in partnership with the Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing, is hosting free flu vaccination clinics. The clinic runs every Tuesday from September 23rd to December 9th. The shots are available for people 6 months and older, with high-dose options available. No ID or insurance is required.
WHEN: Now – December 9 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: National City Fire Department (Station 34) | 343 E 16th St, National City, CA 91950
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NEW! Cybersecurity & Smartphone Essentials Workshop
Join our FREE workshop series! Learn the skills to stay safe, confident, and connected. This series will cover:
- Fraud & Scam Awareness (Scams, where & how to report, how to protect yourself)
- Smartphone Made Simple (Master your home screen & notifications, quick tips for great photo, using essential apps and Siri)
WHEN: Various Dates
WHERE: Various locations including National City, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach
For a list of event dates and to register, visit srtechconnect.com/events.
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NEW! National City Filipino American History Month Celebration Volunteer - This event, in cooperation with the Council for Teaching Filipino Language & Culture (CTFLC), features performances by the CTFLC Ronda and colorful Filipino costumes.
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When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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Where: Corner of E. Plaza Blvd. & Euclid Avenue, National City
- For more information and volunteer opportunities, contact Roman Cruz at (619) 405 - 3373 or RCruz@nationalcityca.gov
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NEW! Beautify Chula Vista Cleanup - Join us for the 22nd Annual Beautify Chula Vista Day—a powerful community cleanup event hosted by the City of Chula Vista in partnership with the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network. Volunteers of all ages are welcome—families, students, and community groups are encouraged to participate!
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When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Where: Participants can choose from two convenient staging locations: Chula Vista City Hall and the Loma Verde Community Center
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NEW! National City Board, Commission, or Committee Application - Apply to serve on a City Board! Current vacancies are on the Civil Service Commission and the Board of Library Trustees. Applicants must reside in National City.
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Surfrider Foundation Imperial Beach Cleanup - Take action to protect our coastline by joining a local beach cleanup! Staff will be on site for check-in and will provide all necessary supplies.
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When: Monthly, next date is October 18, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Where: Imperial Beach, CA 91932
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Girls Rising Mentorship Program - Girls Rising is dedicated to supporting girls ages 8-17 from underserved communities by providing positive role models and unwavering support.
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Community Power Efficient Refrigeration Program - Community Power is providing energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers at no cost to corner stores to stock California-grown fresh foods, thanks to funding from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
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Gleaning in Chula Vista - Gleaning is the collection of surplus food from farms, gardens, and backyards to address food insecurity. Community members can donate extra backyard fruit or volunteer as gleaners or drivers with ProduceGood. Opportunities are open to all ages, families, and groups.
- Timeline: Ongoing year-round.
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NEW! Proposition 1 – Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 2: Unmet Needs: This grant will focus on the remaining gaps in the statewide behavioral health continuum and prioritize mental health community residential beds and crisis settings
- Application deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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NEW! 2025 Men's Service Challenge: California Volunteers is launching the California Men’s Service Challenge to encourage young men’s participation in paid service, to build career and leadership skills while modeling a positive experience of manhood.
- Programs funded under this goal will expand existing service models with proven capacity to engage young men and boys as beneficiaries of member service.
- Disaster Prevention & Relief, Education, Employment, Labor & Training, Health & Human Services
- Application deadline: Thursday, October 30th, 2025
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NEW! California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP): CNIP Expansion was established to encourage the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients, including WIC, WIC FMNP, and SFMNP clients. Estimated amount per award $10,000 – $500,000. Eligibility is limited to the following entities or combination of eligible entities:
- Certified Farmers’ Markets authorized to accept WIC, WIC FMNP and/or SFMNP benefits
- Non-profit organizations that are applying to work with Certified Farmers’ Markets accepting WIC, WIC FMNP and/or SFMNP benefits
- Application deadline: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5 PM EST
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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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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.
- Application deadline: Ongoing
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Smart & Final Charitable Foundation: The 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, Disaster Relief
- Application deadline: Ongoing
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Help Improve Alert San Diego
U.S. Digital Response (USDR) are conducting short interviews with San Diego County residents to better understand how community members interact with the Alert San Diego website and emergency communications.
Details for Participants:
- After completing the screener, participants will receive a scheduling link to select a convenient interview time.
- The interview includes a short “live” walkthrough of the Alert San Diego website.
- Eligible participants (non-County employees) will receive a $25 Amazon gift card as a thank you for their time and to help purchase emergency preparedness materials.
For more information and participate, visit Alert San Diego.
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Take Me Home Program
A free and confidential registry that helps law enforcement safely return individuals with special needs to their families if they become lost or disoriented. Deputies can access the system to find a match by photo and description and reunite families quickly.
Take steps now to protect their future and gain peace of mind today.
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San Diego County Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program is designed for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions residing in our communities. Carrying the Blue Envelope or displaying any product with the program’s logo informs law enforcement, first responders, and community service providers that a person will need special accommodations during a service, call, or contact.
Participating in the Blue Envelope Program is free and voluntary.
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San Diego Mental Health & Substance Use Input Opportunity
UCSD Health Partnership is gathering community input to shape San Diego County Behavioral Health Services recommendations. Service providers, community members and advocates are invited to share your thoughts and experiences around mental health and substance use.
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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
To learn more or access outreach materials, visit the Youth and Young Adult Video & Visual Art Challenge | Live Well San Diego or contact Engage.BHS@sdcounty.ca.gov
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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, visit Emergency Operations Plan.
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SDSU Healthy Water, Healthy Air Survey
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SDSU is seeking individuals working or living in the South Bay to participate in the Healthy Water, Healthy Air survey to understand how the Tijuana River pollution may be affecting the health of the community. The study is led by Dr. Paula Granados (SDSU School of Public Health). The information gathered from the survey helps researchers document ONGOING health concerns and impacts to build a stronger case to advocate for healthy solutions.
To participate in the survey, visit tjriver.sdsu.edu/.
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Behavioral & Mental Health Resources Tip Card
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The Live Well San Diego South Region Community Leadership Team Behavioral & Mental Health workgroup presents the Behavioral & Mental Health Resources Tip Card. This tip card connects San Diego County residents with free, confidential, and trauma-informed services.
View the Tip Card in English and Spanish.
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New Health and Social Services for Eligible San Diego Medi-Cal Members
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Enhanced Care Management for Medi-Cal Members | Spanish - One-on-one care management to support health and social needs.
Community Supports for Medi-Cal Members | Spanish - 14 services to support well-being in the community - such as help finding housing, medically tailored meals, asthma remediation and more.
Transportation for Medi-Cal Members | Spanish - Transit passes, ride share services, accessible vans and more may be available to help you get to medical appointments or get medical supplies.
Eligible Medi-Cal members can enroll through their Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (Blue Shield Promise, Community Health Group, Kaiser Permanente, or Molina Healthcare). Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports referral forms, materials in additional languages, and more information can be found at sandiegocounty.gov/SDAIM.
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San Diego Food Resources
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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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