Bay Area

Marin’s Approach on Mental Health: Increase Awareness to Decrease Stigma

Local and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, household economic instability, racial inequality, wars abroad, violence in the streets, and political strife can add stress to life. They also serve as a conversation starter about the pressing concern of mental health and access to care.

Published

1 year ago

May 10, 2023

Oakland Post

Marin residents seeking behavioral health services can call the 24-hour, confidential Access Line at 1-888-818-1115. Marin BHRS provides outpatient, residential, crisis services, and hospital care addressing specialty mental health and substance use service needs of Marin Medi-Cal beneficiaries and uninsured residents.

Marin HHS and partners offer educational events throughout May

San Rafael, CA — Local and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, household economic instability, racial inequality, wars abroad, violence in the streets, and political strife can add stress to life. They also serve as a conversation starter about the pressing concern of mental health and access to care.

In Marin County, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) working with a handful of eager community partners to promote well-being during May Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Find Your Way campaign supports youth as they navigate paths to wellness, connection, and resiliency.

“It’s no wonder many people are struggling or not quite feeling themselves,” said Dr. Todd Schirmer, Director of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division (BHRS) of Marin HHS. “This year’s statewide theme is ‘Tools 2 Thrive,’ which emphasizes the importance of building resilience and coping skills.”

May Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to prioritize mental health and to raise awareness about the resources available for those who may be struggling. This year, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and community-based partners, including NAMI-Marin[External], Marin 9 to 25[External], Opening the World[External], North Marin Community Services[External], Marin County Youth Commission[External], OD Free Marin[External] and the Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative[External], have put together a full spectrum of resources and events throughout the month of May. These events promote messages of hope, connection and recovery to help residents work together to create a culture of understanding and support for those who are experiencing mental health issues.

A highlight of May Mental Health Month is the Youth Art and Film Showcase[External], an annual event that will be featured at the Youth Wellness Festival on Saturday, May 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Terra Linda High School in San Rafael. The festival is free, open to all ages, and includes a panel discussion, an art showcase gallery, tabling and resources, and workshop sessions. Coordinated by youth mental health advocates involved in the Marin County Youth Commission, the Suicide Prevention Collaborative’s Youth Action Team, and Marin 9 to 25, the event will feature the launch of a youth wellness campaign called, “Find Your Way[External].” The countywide campaign will support youth as they navigate their path to wellness, connection, and resiliency.

“Just letting others know you’re there for them, that you’re available if they want to talk about it, can make a big difference,” Schirmer said. “Directly asking others, ‘How are you feeling? How is your mental health?’ can be a door opener for conversation and helping others finding the support they need.”

While ‘Find Your Way’ is a youth campaign promoting youth support and tools to navigate well-being, Schirmer said there are lessons in the program for people of all ages. “If you are struggling, make a connection and ask for help,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to reach out if someone you know needs support.”

Other local events in May include:

a series of mental health first aid trainings;
a Spanish-language suicide prevention training hosted by North Marin Community Services scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11. Register by calling (707) 408-3657;
a discussion titled Real Talk Matters[External]: Fighting Fentanyl and Its Impact on Mental Healthhosted by OD Free Marin at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 9.

See the full list of May Mental Health Month events on the Marin HHS website.

If you or someone you know is in distress, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, go to 988lifeline.org[External] or text “MARIN” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 24 – 30, 2024

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Op-Ed Senate Bill 966 Threatens Health Equity in East Bay

My East Bay community is struggling to get by. A proposed State Senate bill would set us back even further. Serving the East Bay community has been my life’s work and my greatest joy. After leaving the Bay Area to complete my seminary, I returned home to found The Community Church in Oakland. From the outset of my time as the church’s pastor, I have been guided by the belief that my service must extend beyond the pulpit, because the health and economic needs of my community are so great. Our church has organized free food banks, COVID-19 testing clinics, and a housing and re-entry program for those suffering from addiction.

Published

1 week ago

July 19, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook

By Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook

Special to the Post

My East Bay community is struggling to get by. A proposed State Senate bill would set us back even further.

Serving the East Bay community has been my life’s work and my greatest joy. After leaving the Bay Area to complete my seminary, I returned home to found The Community Church in Oakland.

From the outset of my time as the church’s pastor, I have been guided by the belief that my service must extend beyond the pulpit, because the health and economic needs of my community are so great. Our church has organized free food banks, COVID-19 testing clinics, and a housing and re-entry program for those suffering from addiction.

Through my service, I have seen the challenges that our community members are facing. Oakland, my hometown, has the third-highest rate of violent crime in the state. The local economy is strained. Oakland-based businesses are leaving our community because they’re struggling to get ahead.

Both East and West Oakland has disproportionately high rates of respiratory illness due to heavy air pollution. While our local efforts have brought some aid to those in need, we are also counting on our state elected officials to help us address the systemic health disparities afflicting the community.

Chief among the health concerns of community members is having reliable and affordable access to prescription drugs. Equitable access to medications gives us the peace of mind that we can keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe. Our community should not have to choose between paying rent or purchasing prescriptions.

Unfortunately, rather than taking action to combat soaring prescription drug prices, some California lawmakers are pushing legislation that could raise patient costs at the pharmacy counter.

The Legislature is currently considering SB 966, a bill backed by special interests that would undercut the few tools we have to keep prescription drug costs contained, letting big drug companies increase their prices, profiting on the backs of working families – some of whom already live paycheck to paycheck.

SB 966 would target the fundamental programs through which small businesses, unions, and government health programs are able to offer their employees and members quality and affordable healthcare. Millions of Californians rely on these plans to obtain essential medications at the lowest-possible cost.

The bill would make it illegal for employers and unions to incentivize the administrators of their prescription drug plans to negotiate for the lowest possible cost for prescriptions. Right now, small businesses and unions can choose to pay these administrators more for taking on big drug companies and securing discounts – a choice that will be outlawed under this bill.

As a result, employers will have no leverage to stop big drug companies from setting sky-high prices, disproportionately impacting working families.

As these health costs quickly add up, employers will have little choice but to pass the increases down to their employees. That means California patients will see higher healthcare costs and co-pays.

From my perspective, most concerning is that the bill would exacerbate the health disparities impacting my community and other underserved populations. If SB 966 becomes law, the most vulnerable may be forced to skip prescription doses, stop filling their prescriptions, and avoid essential care.

By rejecting this cash grab by big drug companies, our state elected officials can send a clear message that they stand with the community, patients, and working families.

We cannot afford SB 966.

Rev. Dr. VanHook is the founder and pastor of The Community Church in Oakland and the founder of The Charis House, a re-entry facility for men recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.