Redwood City – As May 1 kicks off Mental Health Month, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) invites residents to a series of free events and to learn about ways to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness and more.
The theme for 2024 May Mental Health Month is Heal Through Connection #SMCAgainstLoneliness.
“Now more than ever, it is important that we find ways to connect with one another,” said Jei Africa, BHRS director. “This May, we encourage everyone to connect with others at one of our free public events, connect to resources and connect with your community by getting involved.”
In January, San Mateo County supervisors declared loneliness a public health crisis and pledged to promote social connection in local communities. The need is there: according to County Health’s 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment, 45 percent of respondents reported experiencing difficulty with loneliness and isolation.
Presented by BHRS’ Office of Diversity and Equity, along with local partners, free events include:
- Maging Sensitibo, Maging Matapang! Suicide Prevention Training – “Be Sensitive, Be Brave for Suicide Prevention” is a foundational culturally infused workshop on suicide prevention provided in Tagalog that teaches how to act as eyes and ears for suicidal distress and connect individuals with appropriate services. Thursday, May 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., online event (register here).
- Healing Connections Open Mic – A community event promoting mental and spiritual wellness through creative performance art, such as poetry, spoken word, dance or music. Anyone interested in attending or performing at this event should complete the interest form. Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Central Park Recreation Center Assembly Room at 50 E. 5th Ave., San Mateo. For more information, contact Tia Bell at tbell1@smcgov.org.
- Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors – A speaker from the Alzheimer’s Association will share caregiver tips and strategies to respond to behaviors common to individuals living with dementia, such as agitation, confusion and more. Tuesday., May 28, from 1 to 2 p.m, at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park (preregister online or by phone at 800-272-3900).
A full calendar of events may be found here.
For more information about May Mental Health Month, contact the Office of Diversity and Equity co-chairs Kristie Lui (kflui@smcgov.org) and Sylvia Tang (stang@smcgov.org) or call 650-208-5799.
Audrey Davis
Communication Specialist
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
adavis2@smcgov.org
650-586-2162