Upcoming Events and More News 10/2/2026 Posted on October 2, 2026October 2, 2026 10/3 – NAMI Walks San Mateo County – Walk for Mental Health NAMI is hosting their annual Walk for Mental Health on Saturday October 3, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Coyote Point Park in San Mateo. NAMI has an important mission that is aligned with BHRS – to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental illness and help others understand mental illness. At the link here, you can individually donate and share the BHRS team link with your network to raise funds. The event is free to attend and no matter how you are able to participate, you’ll contribute to increasing mental health awareness. 10/15 – Global Peer Support Day The BHRS Office of Consumer and Family Affairs and One New Heartbeat, Inc. are hosting the 2026 Global Peer Support Celebration Day on October 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space. This special event honors the meaningful contributions of Peer and Family Peer Supporters across San Mateo County. Throughout the event, we will explore the many ways peer support promotes wellness, resilience, advocacy, healing and belonging through interactive sessions, shared stories and opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about the power of peer support. Please RSVP by October 10, 2026, to confirm your attendance. 10/21 – Housing Heroes Awards Join us for the 19th annual Housing Hero Awards on Wednesday October 21, 2026, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the Redwood Shores Library Community Room in Redwood City. The Housing Hero Awards honors our community partners and colleagues who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in providing and/or maintaining housing for San Mateo County residents with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. More News: BHRS Director Dr. Jei Africa has been presented with the Outstanding Service to Division VII award from the California Psychological Association for going above and beyond in his service to the Division, its mission, and social-justice related topics. Jei has been awarded, “for his devoted years of service to Division VII. He was the previous 2024 Diversity Delegate to CPA’s executive board, helped spearhead CPA’s first walk in the SF Pride Parade, brought the concept of doing a Land Acknowledgements to CPA Speakers during presentations, and was integral in creating the Division VII student awards beginning in 2024. Dr. Africa’s commitment to social-justice shows in his work in the community as the San Mateo County Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services where he has increased outreach to underserved communities and expanded-care for justice-involved individuals.” Congratulations, Jei! Fostering Wellness Program Accepting Volunteers and Referrals The Fostering Wellness Program is accepting volunteers and referrals. The program, which is a partnership between Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) and Public Health Policy and Planning (PHPP), provides temporary pet foster care through a network of volunteer foster homes. About the program: Provides temporary care (up to 90 days) for pets while owners receive medical or behavioral health treatment. Please note that a client must be connected to a San Mateo County program or county contracted program. A network of safe, trustworthy and vetted volunteer foster homes has been built. Offers owners peace of mind to seek a higher level of treatment while animal companions are well cared for. Love animals? Want to make a difference in someone’s life? We’re recruiting foster care volunteers for 30-90 days. Visit smchealth.org/fostering-wellness for more information. Providers and case managers can refer a client via the referral form. For questions about the program, email fosteringwellness@smcgov.org. Regional Co-Responder Symposium The Sheriff’s Office Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), a co-responder unit that pairs Sheriff’s Office detectives with licensed mental health clinicians from BHRS to de-escalate and respond to community mental health crises, hosted the first ever Regional Co-Responder Symposium in September. The event brought together co-responder teams from across San Mateo County and neighboring counties, and included sessions led by PERT and subject matter experts retired Lt. Glenn Albin and Tammy McCoy-Arballo. The day ended with a consultation group facilitated by PERT, giving teams an opportunity to connect, learn from one another and work through shared challenges. The symposium provided a valuable space to exchange knowledge, best practices, strengthen partnerships and enhance co-response efforts throughout our communities. California Releases Guidance on New Federal Public Charge Rule Update from the Department of Health Care Services: On September 18, the federal government’s new Public Charge Rule took effect. Public charge is a test that immigration officials use to decide whether a noncitizen is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support. It can apply when some immigrants seek entry to the United States or apply for a green card. It does not apply to most immigrants already in the United States. The California Health and Human Services Agency released resources explaining the new rule, including what it means and how it may affect individuals and families. New Video! Residential Substance Use Treatment for Women in San Mateo County If you or someone you know is seeking substance use treatment, BHRS is here to help. San Mateo County partners with community-based organizations to provide residential substance use treatment for women. Every program staff member shares a common bond: lived experience and a deep understanding of the journey to recovery. These programs provide a supportive foundation where woman can reclaim their independence and redesign their future. Watch to hear their stories. To learn more about residential programs, call BHRS Alcohol and Other Drug Services at (650) 802-6400.
Meet the Behavioral Health Commission’s Youth Action Board Posted on October 2, 2026October 2, 2026 The San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission’s Youth Action Board (YAB) is a group of young people (ages 14-24) committed to improving the behavioral health of youth across the County. Founded in 2022 by Behavioral Health Commissioner Frieda K. Edgette and Youth Commissioners Katelyn Chang and Hudson Fox to bring youth leadership, voice and lived experiences to mental and behavioral health decision-making tables, the YAB has evolved into a high-impact collective voice to improve the wellbeing of youth and those who care for them. Guided by a North Star that no young person should navigate mental health challenges alone or feel ashamed to ask for support, our initiatives focus on making resources more accessible, relatable and easier to find, while creating spaces where young people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and directly shape the services they need. Aligned with the BHRS transformation journey and Behavioral Health Services Act implementation, our 2026-2027 goals fall under Media and Policy: Addressing access and service gaps: Over the past two years, the YAB and Youth Committee have partnered with BHRS to identify service gaps, gather feedback from youth and advocate for systems change. Digitally, we’ve designed a Pathways digital prototype for a “one-stop-shop” of mental health and behavioral health services and peer support communities in the County. This year, we are committed to bringing the Pathways tool to life, exploring a number of options with youth as co-designers. Our Policy Subcommittee examined gaps in youth crisis care and supported a statewide grant application for a Youth Crisis Healing Campus. This year, we are continuing a partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education and United for Youth Blueprint to redesign a youth-shaped mental health curriculum in schools. Amplifying youth perspectives through digital content: With the support of BHRS, our Media Subcommittee is beginning a partnership with Decoded, including content creation training and technical assistance, and will create regular digital content for the Decoded platform that increases awareness of resources, substance use and co-occurring education, peer support, and ongoing changes in Medi-Cal that impact youth. Follow up on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/decoded.ca/. We’d love for you to join us! Attend the monthly Behavioral Health Commission Youth Committee the third Wednesday of the month from 4-5PM via Zoom. Contact Frieda Edgette at edgette@novosconsulting.com to get involved. Dr. Jei Africa with the 2026-2027 Youth Action Board, pictured Left to Right: Maya Canas, Layla Ortiz, Amalia Viator, Luz Martinez, Kristyn Lee, Shaila Gonzalez, Eva Luna, Kaitlyn Ho, Veer Chowdhary, Allison Cerron, Ethan Liu, Sharon Sims Calzolai, Micah Zhou, Dr. Jei Africa, (not pictured: BHRS Project Manager Edith Cabuslay, Behavioral Health Commissioner Frieda K. Edgette, Behavioral Health Commissioner Michael Lim)
Order No. F26-1: Wearing of Face Masks in Skilled Nursing Facilities Posted on September 30, 2026September 30, 2026 Order No. F26-1 of the Health Officer of the County of San Mateo for the Wearing of Face Masks in Skilled Nursing Facilities Date of Order: October 1, 2026 Effective Date: November 1, 2026 Summary of This Order This Order requires all persons, except patients, in Patient Care Areas of Skilled Nursing Facilities to wear a Face Mask during the period deemed the Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period by the Health Officer, with limited exemptions. Background and Purpose Annually, between late fall and spring, San Mateo County data shows higher rates of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other viral infections that can cause severe respiratory disease among people living in the County. This seasonal increase in circulation of multiple respiratory viruses causes a particular risk to populations more likely to experience severe disease and death if infected, including infants, older adults, and people with impaired immune systems. The seasonal surges also risk overwhelming the existing health care system in the county, jeopardizing the capacity to provide care for these and other diseases. The risk to vulnerable patients of any of these viral illnesses in health care settings, especially skilled nursing facilities, remains significant. Vaccines and boosters that target respiratory viruses continue to be the best protection against severe disease, as well as good ventilation systems and respiratory hygiene. Another important protection in these settings is the use of a Well-Fitted Mask by Healthcare Personnel and visitors, which reduces both the risk of infection for those Personnel and reduces the risk of them and visitors transmitting respiratory viruses to Patients and Residents. Considering the above, it continues to be important for masks to be used in the Patient Care Areas of these settings when seasonal risk of exposure to one or multiple viruses is at its highest. This Order introduces a seasonal requirement for use of Face Masks in Skilled Nursing Facilities, as set forth below. Order Under the Authority of California Health and Safety Code Section 120175, the Health Officer of the County of San Mateo (“Health Officer”) Orders: Definitions. “Face Mask” means a surgical mask, KN95, KF94, or N95 that is well-fitted to an individual and covers the nose and mouth. A scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, cloth mask, or any mask that has an unfiltered one-way exhaust valve does not qualify as a Face Mask under this Order. Guidance regarding well-fitted masks may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html. “Skilled Nursing Facility” means a health facility or a distinct part of a hospital which provides continuous skilled nursing care and supportive care to patients whose primary need is for availability of skilled nursing care on an extended basis.2 “Patient Care Area” means any area that patients regularly access in order to receive healthcare within a Health Care Delivery Facility. Patient Care Areas include patients’ rooms, lobbies, waiting rooms, examination rooms, patient wings, elevators, and hallways used by patients. Patient Care Areas do not include administrative offices or staff break areas that are only accessible to personnel of the Health Care Delivery Facility. Patient Care Areas do not include areas such as cafeterias or gift shops that are not used for the provision of healthcare or to access areas where healthcare services are provided. “Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period” means the period from November 1 to March 31. The Health Officer may adjust the dates of the Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period based on respiratory virus surveillance data. If the Health Officer changes the dates of the Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period, the Health Officer will notify Health Care Delivery Facilities through a Health Advisory and a notice posted on the County Health Department’s website (https://www.smchealth.org/). “Personnel” means all paid and unpaid people who work in indoor Healthcare Facilities in locations where care is provided to patients. This includes workers serving in healthcare or other settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to Patients, Clients, Residents. Personnel include, but are not limited to, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the Healthcare Facility, and persons who could be exposed to or transmit infectious agents that can be transmitted in the health care or congregate living setting (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, engineering and facilities management, volunteer personnel and emergency services personnel). “Personnel” does not include Patients, Residents or family members, friends and other individuals who enter healthcare facilities for the primary purpose of engaging in social visitation. Mandatory Requirement to Wear Face Masks in Patient Care Areas of Skilled Nursing Facilities During the Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period. Regardless of vaccination status, all persons in Patient Care Areas of Skilled Nursing Facilities must wear a Face Mask during the period deemed the Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period by the Health Officer, except for the following: Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance. Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication. Persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines. Persons who are specifically exempted from wearing face masks pursuant to other CDPH guidance. All businesses and governmental entities with Skilled Nursing Facilities must enforce this Face Mask Requirement for all healthcare personnel and visitors entering Patient Care Areas within the facility, regardless of vaccination status, except as otherwise provided in this Order. All such businesses and governmental entities must post clearly visible and easy-to-read signage at all entry points to Patient Care Areas to communicate the Face Mask requirements to all personnel and visitors entering the Patient Care Areas of the Facility. In addition, those responsible for Skilled Nursing Facilities are required to provide Face Masks to individuals who will be in an area where Face Masks are required. This Order does not require patients or residents to wear masks, although masks remain strongly recommended in healthcare settings for all patients and residents not covered by these requirements when interacting with others. Recommendations from the Health Officer. The Health Officer strongly urges all businesses and governmental entities with Health Care Delivery Facilities such as general acute care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, correctional health, ambulatory care settings, residential care facilities for the elderly, dialysis and infusion centers to monitor local and internal data that indicate circulating levels of respiratory viruses and impact to the facilities, such as, but not limited to, local virus wastewater monitoring, test positivity rates, bed availability, employee absenteeism due to illness, or rates of clinical care episodes due to respiratory viruses. Those Health Care Delivery Facilities should institute internal policies that require masking of staff and visitors at any time during or outside the Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Period when local or internal data indicate that there is a high level of risk to patients or employees.1 It is also strongly recommended that personnel and visitors in healthcare facilities not listed in this order (e.g., outpatient clinics, mental and behavioral health clinics, therapy clinics, residential care facilities for the elderly, general acute care hospitals, dialysis and infusion centers) wear well fitted masks when interacting with patients or clients during the winter respiratory virus season. Applicability. All individuals, businesses, and other entities in the county are ordered to comply with the applicable provisions of this Order. For clarity, individuals who do not currently reside in the county must comply with all applicable requirements of the Order when they are in the county. Governmental entities must follow the requirements of this Order applicable to Businesses, unless otherwise specifically directed by the Health Officer. Obligation to Follow Any Stricter State Requirements. If a conflict exists between this Order and any order issued by the State Health Officer, the Governor, or a State agency (such as the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)) related to promotion or protection of public health, the most restrictive mandatory provision controls. For clarity, all individuals and entities must comply with any mandatory requirement imposed by the State to the extent it is stricter than any provision of this Order. Consistent with Health and Safety Code section 131080 and the Health Officer Practice Guide for Communicable Disease Control in California, except if the State Health Officer issues an order expressly directed at this Order and based on a finding that a provision of this Order constitutes a menace to public health, any more restrictive measures in this Order continue to apply and control in this county. In addition, to the extent any federal guidelines are inconsistent with this Order, this Order is controlling. Enforcement. Under Sections 26602 and 41601 of the California Government Code and Section 101029 of the California Health and Safety Code, the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and the Chief of Police in the County ensure compliance with and enforce this Order. The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat and immediate menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance, and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Effective Date. This Order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2026 and shall expire at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2027 unless otherwise extended by the Health Officer. Copies. Copies of this Order shall promptly be: (1) made available at 500 County Center, Redwood City, California; (2) posted on the County Health Services website (https://www.smchealth.org/health-orders-updates); and (3) provided to any member of the public requesting a copy of this Order. Severability. If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable. Violation of, or failure to comply with, this Order is a public nuisance subject to citation, abatement, or both, as well as a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and Safety Code § 120295 et seq.; California Penal Code § 69, 148(a)(1)). It Is So Ordered /Signed/ Kismet Baldwin-Santana MD, MPH Health Officer of the County of San Mateo Dated: October 1, 2026 Footnotes For data regarding the County’s wastewater surveillance, visit: https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/calwws/. ↑ https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/ELRU_SNF-ICF.aspx ↑
Notice of Public Hearing – San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Posted on September 29, 2026 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, during their regularly scheduled meeting, will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution amending the Environmental Health Services Division’s fee schedule to establish a permit fee of one thousand seven hundred six dollars ($1,706) for farm labor housing water systems under San Mateo County Ordinance Code Chapter 4.64, in order to cover the administrative and enforcement costs of the Board’s adoption of a comprehensive overhaul of the County’s domestic water systems ordinance, including establishment of a regulatory program for farm labor housing water systems. The proposed fee is necessary to reflect the estimated reasonable costs of providing the associated services. The Division’s proposed amended fee schedule is available by visiting smchealth.org/ehfees, emailing envhealth@smcgov.org, or calling Environmental Health Services at (650) 372-6200. The hearing will be held as follows: Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Proposed Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: HYBRID MEETING – IN-PERSON AND BY VIDEO CONFERENCE Board Chambers Room 500 County Center Redwood City, CA, 94063 See the Board of Supervisors’ agenda for instructions on remote participation via Zoom. The Board of Supervisors’ agenda is published the Wednesday before the meeting at: https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx The meeting will be open to the public and anyone interested may appear in-person or via Zoom video conference. If you plan to attend in-person, please allow adequate time for parking and security processing. All inquiries should be directed to Charles Ice at cice@smcgov.org.
Public Notice Posted on September 29, 2026 Rockaway Beach and Calera Creek are closed due to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow occurrence and will remain closed until further notice.
Youth Prevention Academy Builds Skills and Leadership Posted on September 24, 2026 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.
Why Get a Flu Shot? Posted on September 3, 2026September 3, 2026 Flu can interrupt school, work, travel and time with family and friends. Getting vaccinated is one step you can take to help protect your health during flu season. A little prevention can go a long way A flu shot can reduce your risk of getting sick with flu and lower the risk of serious complications if you do get sick. Vaccination is especially important for people who are more likely to become seriously ill from flu, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions. Help keep your plans on track Flu season overlaps with school, sports, holidays, travel and other fall and winter activities. Getting vaccinated is one practical step you can take now to prepare for the months ahead. Free flu vaccines are available San Mateo County Health is offering free flu vaccine clinics for a limited time at locations throughout the county. No appointment, ID or health insurance is needed. Clinic dates, hours and age requirements vary by location. Give wellness your best shot Find a free flu vaccine clinic View upcoming clinic dates, locations and hours and find one that works for you. View the clinic schedule
When Should You Get a Flu Shot? Posted on September 3, 2026September 4, 2026 For most people, September and October are good times to get a flu shot. San Mateo County Health is offering free flu vaccine clinics this fall. If you miss the early fall window, vaccination may still be beneficial later in the season while flu viruses are circulating. Give wellness your best shot Find a free flu vaccine clinic View upcoming clinic dates, locations and hours and find one that works for you. View the clinic schedule
Who Should Get a Flu Shot? Posted on September 3, 2026September 4, 2026 Most people 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. That includes children, teens, adults and older adults. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about which flu vaccine is right for you or your child. Give wellness your best shot Find a free flu vaccine clinic View upcoming clinic dates, locations and hours and find one that works for you. View the clinic schedule
Notice: Middlefield Junction Housing Availability Posted on August 26, 2026 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.