Since launching the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC ODS) pilot in San Mateo County in February 2017, BHRS data has shown a 140% increase in the number of unique Medi-Cal beneficiaries served annually by the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) provider network - from 516 people in 2016 to 1,245 people in 2018. DMC services billed to the State have also increased 206% since implementation. This increase is due in part, to the increase in the number of&nbs
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) recognition of National Recovery Month, spreading the message that treatment is effective, and people can and do recover—every day, and over a decade of celebrating Recovery Month here in San Mateo County.
The opioid epidemic continues to have a devastating impact across the country. Every day in the United States, 78 people die from an opioid overdose; this number has nearly quadrupled since 1999. Here in San Mateo County drug-related deaths accounted for 2% of all deaths in 2017.
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of National Recovery Month, which celebrates the millions of Americans who have reclaimed their lives through recovery from substance use and mental health conditions, reminding us that treatment is effective and people can and do recover. The observance serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, potentially discouraging others from seeking help.
As we honor both National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month in September, it’s important to acknowledge the intrinsic link between the two epidemics.
For a list of current Suicide Prevention Month events, visit www.smchealth.org/suicide-prevention-month
Clara Boyden has been named to serve as the first Deputy Director for BHRS Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Services. AOD programs and services are critical to meet the needs of our community and this is a significant step in providing integrated behavioral health service at all levels.
Crisis center counselors are at the forefront of the work being done in San Mateo County to help reduce the risk of suicide and to promote mental wellness.
As of July 1, Horizon Services’ Palm Avenue Detox began providing San Mateo County Medi-Cal beneficiaries with new residential withdrawal management services as a result of their recent certification under the county’s expanded Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (ODS), Continuum of Care.
After a three-year process, Canyon Oaks Youth Center (COYC) Residential Treatment Facility completed the conversion from a Level 14 Youth Group Home to a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) and the program received their permanent STRTP License on June 1st.
On June 3, Laurel House, a program of HealthRIGHT 360, opened its doors to welcome adult men who need residential substance use treatment services in San Mateo County. Laurel House was the first home opened by the Women’s Recovery Association in 1973 and originally its mission was to treat only women. The transition to now serve men as part of its treatability scope is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to HealthRIGHT’s commitment to the entire community and its partners.
Starting July 1, 2019, San Mateo County Health began transitioning their Representative Payee services to Life Inc. Rep Payee services are provided to clients of BHRS and Aging & Adults Services who need assistance managing their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to ensure timely and appropriate payment of rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothes, and other essential daily living needs.
[Cannabis]Decoded (cannabisdecoded.org) is a San Mateo County marijuana education campaign for youth launched in 2018 by the BHRS Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention Program. The campaign, guided by members of the San Mateo County Youth Commission, focuses on providing youth and adult allies with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use.
The David Lewis Reentry Center is excited to announce the re-opening of its gardening program. Thanks to the help of new county funding sources and the dedication of amazing volunteers, the garden is once again in bloom and open to the public.
The new BHRS clinic serving youth in North County is youth is now open and is located at 350 90th Street, 2nd Flr, Daly City, CA 94015, Ph: (650) 301-8650, Fax: (650) 877-5486. Stay tuned for information on their grand opening.
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