Category: Uncategorized

Happy September! This month, we recognize two important observances in behavioral health: National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month. National Recovery Month is an opportunity to celebrate recovery, reduce stigma in our community and participate in local events.

While responsibility for suicide prevention work under the Behavioral Health Services Act is transitioning to San Mateo County Public Health, Policy and Planning, BHRS remains committed to suicide prevention by reducing stigma around seeking help and offering crisis response services, including ensuring residents can access timely crisis support. Last year, BHRS launched an outreach campaign to raise awareness of the Mobile Crisis Response Team and how to access it via the San Mateo County Crisis Line at (650) 579-0350. This month, we are relaunching the campaign to continue to raise awareness of what to do during a behavioral health crisis.

Also in this issue, learn about a mental health training developed to support elected officials and mark your calendar for several events coming this fall, including this year’s Housing Hero Awards and the annual NAMI Walk! As usual, advancing health equity is a throughline in our work, as reflected in this month’s articles.

Dr. Jei Africa

From June 9-11, San Mateo County students participated in the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Advocacy Academy, a project of the Overdose Prevention Coalition’s Youth and Schools Action Team.

The academy was developed through the Coalition’s participation in the California Overdose Prevention Network Accelerator 7.0 cohort, a 12-month program intended to help local overdose prevention coalitions strengthen their performance and impact. The program was a three-day intensive leadership program designed for high school students in grades 9-12 who are ready to move beyond basic alcohol and other drug prevention training and become true change agents in their communities.

Working with the San Mateo County Office of Education, Jefferson Union High School District, Youth Point Health, Youth Leadership Institute, and Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Coalition created an experience centered on youth voices and leadership. The focus of the cohort was to build adaptive leadership skills to bridge overdose prevention with behavioral health services. The participating student leaders began developing overdose prevention and youth-centered services treatment projects that they can bring back to their schools to share with their peers.

“More than a one-time training, the Academy serves as a launchpad for ongoing youth leadership and is intended to expand prevention capacity across school campuses throughout San Mateo County. During the three-day experience, students explored the root causes of substance use, learned community organizing and adaptive leadership strategies, acquired overdose prevention knowledge, and began designing youth-led prevention and treatment access projects they can implement at their schools. Participants also gained the skills to serve as peer educators, lead positive social norms campaigns, conduct youth-led research and storytelling, and partner with adult allies to create healthier school communities.” – Mary Bier, Lead Facilitator

Youth Prevention Academy Results

• When participants were asked, “How comfortable are you speaking to other students about substance use prevention, harm reduction, and connecting others to support resources?” only 14% said they were “very comfortable” before the training. After the training, 67% said they were “very comfortable,” a testament to the success of the academy.
• When asked, “How confident are you in your leadership and event planning skills to help organize prevention activities or campaigns on your campus?” 14% said they were “very confident” before the training. After the training, 61% said they were “very confident.’
• Reflecting on the experience, one participant said, “I learned the steps to take regarding turning activities into actions as well as more knowledge on why opioids are such a prominent issue. Overall, my confidence regarding changing my school community increased by a lot and I have a much better idea on how I am going to do so thanks to the amazing leaders that led me through poster activities and lectures!

The academy reflects a core goal of the Youth and Schools Action Team: equipping young people with accurate information, meaningful leadership opportunities, and youth-centered pathways to support.

From June 9-11, San Mateo County students participated in the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Advocacy Academy, a project of the Overdose Prevention Coalition’s Youth and Schools Action Team.

The academy was developed through the Coalition’s participation in the California Overdose Prevention Network Accelerator 7.0 cohort, a 12-month program intended to help local overdose prevention coalitions strengthen their performance and impact. The program was a three-day intensive leadership program designed for high school students in grades 9-12 who are ready to move beyond basic alcohol and other drug prevention training and become true change agents in their communities.

Working with the San Mateo County Office of Education, Jefferson Union High School District, Youth Point Health, Youth Leadership Institute, and Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Coalition created an experience centered on youth voices and leadership. The focus of the cohort was to build adaptive leadership skills to bridge overdose prevention with behavioral health services. The participating student leaders began developing overdose prevention and youth-centered services treatment projects that they can bring back to their schools to share with their peers.

The following locations have elevated levels of indicator bacteria and are posted with warning and/or closure signs.

Ocean Beaches

• Rockaway Beach
• Linda Mar #5 (Linda Mar Blvd.)
• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Pillar Point #7 (Surf-West Point Ave)
• Pillar Point #9 (Outer Harbor)

Creeks (Where they meet or cross the beach)​

• San Pedro Creek
• San Vicente Creek (at Fitzgerald)
• Pilarcitos Creek (at Venice-South)
• Frenchman’s Creek (at Venice-North)

Bay Beaches

• Marlin Park
• Erckenbrack Park
• Lakeshore Park, Rec Center
• Gull Park, Foster City

The application list for Middlefield Junction is now closed and will be used for all 20 units at the property. Due to construction delays, the first 12 units are expected to be available in August 2025. The remaining 8 units are anticipated to be ready for occupancy in early 2026. Eligible individuals who have been placed on the list will be contacted by property management to schedule an interview within the next month.

September is Suicide Prevention Month!

For 2025, San Mateo County and partners are promoting the statewide theme: “Support, Your Way.”

What if suicide prevention could feel human, honest, and self-assured, all while being inclusive of the different ways people can find support. Rather than centering fear, crisis, or clinical language, this theme is about agency, particularly at vulnerable moments when people feel like they have none. It reflects a cultural truth that people want help on their own terms, and flips the understanding of asking for help not as a loss of control—but as a regaining of it.

It’s not about prescribing what help should look like. It’s about validating the choice to reach out for help, understanding that support can look different for everyone, and reframing the act of asking for support as taking control—not losing it.

Support, Your Way- Tips and Reminders:

• Getting help means taking control. Asking for support isn’t a breakdown. It’s a breakthrough—and it can look like whatever you need it to.
• Support looks different for everyone. Some people talk to a peer. Some text 988. Some open up to a friend. Some start therapy. For some, it’s a mix of all of these options. There’s no one-size-fits-all. You get to choose what feels safe.
• You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Reaching out before things spiral is just as valid as reaching out in an emergency. It’s always the right time to check in or ask for help.
• There’s no wrong way to ask for help. Even if you don’t know what to say. Even if it’s messy.

Each year, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity (ODE) and Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) promotes free events throughout the month of September to promote Suicide Prevention Month. All events are free and open to the public. This year’s events will be in-person and/or virtual.

ADDRESS: 21 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
DATE OF CLOSURE: 2/5/2025
REASON FOR CLOSURE: Hot water violation