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Filipino Mental Health Initiative (FMHI)

Boards and Commissions / Filipino Mental Health Initiative (FMHI)
The Filipino Mental Health Initiative works to improve the well-being of Filipino residents in San Mateo County by reducing mental health stigma, increasing access to services and empowering the community through outreach and engagement.

Description

FMHI grew out of community focus groups in 2005, facilitated by Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Community members, providers and partners came together to discuss health and mental health needs, the impact of stigma and barriers to care. The initiative has organized outreach and education, parent event nights and provider trainings, developed and shared thousands of resource directories and brought together an oversight committee with broad community representation. The initiative is supported by Behavioral Health & Recovery Services through its Office of Diversity & Equity.

Service Focus

Stigma reduction, culturally responsive education and outreach, navigation and referrals, and improved access to behavioral health and related services for Filipino residents.

Membership

Open to community members, clients, family members, service providers and stakeholders

  • Participants and partners have included Behavioral Health and Recovery Services staff, Asian American Recovery Services, Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center, Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, County Health staff and other community stakeholders
  • An oversight committee has included representatives from more than 35 agencies

Key Functions

  • Provides outreach and education tailored to the Filipino community
  • Reduces stigma around mental illness and substance use
  • Connects residents to culturally responsive care and community resources
  • Builds and sustains partnerships that support wellness and recovery

Contact

Francesca Reyes (she/her), Co-Chair
franmariereyes@gmail.com

Or FMHISMC@gmail.com