|
Announcements & News Stories |
|
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.
-
Distribute flyers and promote the campaign locally
-
Host or support in-person screening events
-
Set up a resource table with materials from the campaign
-
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.
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!
|
|
 |
|
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.
Please join us at our four regional events happening in the Central, East, North, and South regions during October 2025.
WHEN: Starting October 2 through October 29, 2025
WHERE: Various Locations Depending on Event
Click the San Diego Domestic Violence Council for more information.
|
 |
|
NEW! Medi-Cal Transformation (CalAIM) Community Event
The YMCA of San Diego County, in partnership with the County of San Diego, is hosting free events to raise awareness about Medi-Cal Transformation (CalAIM) and new services like Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports. Medi-Cal members and supporters are invited to learn about available resources and sign up for services at onsite resource fairs.
The first 100 in-person attendees (18+) will receive a $50 gift card. Free meals and childcare are provided at all in-person events.
WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Copley-Price Family YMCA | 4300 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105
|
 |
|
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
|
 |
|
NEW! Fall Career and Internship Fair
This event provides SDSU students, alumni and community members with an opportunity to connect with a variety of employers. This event is free and open to the public.
WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Montezuma Hall | Aztec Student Union, San Diego, CA 92182
|
 |
|
NEW! 11th Annual Pumpkin Patch
Grab your little ghouls and goblins and head to the bay for a free pumpkin patch party! Youth will get the chance to pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate and keep while enjoying music, crafts and inflatables. Family photo opportunities and food trucks will also be available for all to enjoy at this scenic seaside destination.
WHEN: Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Waterfront Park | 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
|
 |
|
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 25th, 2025 | 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.
|
 |
|
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, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE: Via Zoom
|
|
|
-
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
-
Complete the application to apply!
-
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
-
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 visit their website!
- Rolling Application Review: Submit 30 days prior to the sports program registration deadline
-
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
-
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
|
|
 |
|
NEW! Community Recreation Needs Assessment Survey
The City of San Diego is proud to announce the official launch of its first-ever Community Recreation Needs Assessment. The goal is to develop a strategic action plan with clear objectives and measurable outcomes to eliminate barriers and ensure equitable recreation opportunities for all residents. We encourage you to make your voice heard today by completing the survey below and sharing your input on City of San Diego parks, recreation programs, and services.
Click on the survey to participate.
|
 |
|
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.
|
 |
|
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.
|
 |
|
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.
|
 |
|
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.
|
 |
|
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 21, 2025
|
 |
|
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:
-
Medical care – doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency services, and prescription drugs
-
Behavioral health & preventive care – mental health and substance use disorder treatment, screenings, and immunizations
-
Additional support – dental and vision care, long-term care, transportation, and other essential health benefits
|
|
|
Thank you!
Please forward to colleagues, staff, partners, and community members as you see fit. New subscribers can sign up using this form. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
