Items to include in this newsletter
How Does Civic Engagement Impact Your Health?
Our recent report on Youth Civic Engagement and Health highlights the positive health outcomes that civic engagement has on the health of youth. The more young people engage in civic activities, the higher their social connection and sense of belonging to a community, which ultimately translates into better physical and mental health outcomes. Yet, younger voters vote at much lower rates than older voters. So it is important for all qualified voters to register and cast their vote.
San Mateo County Health Joined 38 Health Systems to Declare: It is Undeniable, Racism is a Public Health Crisis
County Health is part of the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN), a national collaboration of leading healthcare systems, which published the “Racism is a Public Health Crisis” statement in which 39 health systems signed on to. HAN’s members employ over half-million employees across 45 states and Washington, DC. and have committed to take concrete action to address the impact of structural racism in our communities.
Sharing Opportunities and Challenges: Implementing Racial Equity in County Health Web Forum #2
Public Health, Policy and Planning (PHPP), BHRS’ Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), and County Health’s Governmental Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE) team hosted its second racial equity web forum to deepen our understanding of the key gaps, opportunities, and priority areas for advancing racial equity in County Health.
Boards and Commissions Vacancies
City of San Bruno: There is one seat on the Traffic Safety & Parking Commission and one vacancy on the Planning Commission. Residents interested should consider applying. Deadline: N/A
Join the Next Emergency Medical Services Corps Co-ed Spring 2021 Cohort
Applications are now open for San Mateo County residents interested in joining the Emergency Medical Services Corps Program’s Spring 2021 Co-ed Cohort.
More $15-Hour Minimum Wage Policies Adopted in San Mateo County
The cities of East Palo Alto and Burlingame adopted a $15 dollar an hour minimum wage ordinance in September which will be effective early next year, raising the number of cities in the county that already require or will soon require a minimum of $15 an hour, to ten total (City of San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, South San Francisco, Menlo Park, City of San Carlos, Half Moon Bay, Daily City, East Palo Alto, and Burlingame). Addressing income inequality is critical for improving the health of our communities, in particular our low-wage workers who are most vulnerable to t
How to Prevent Evictions?
These flyers in English and Spanish outline the steps that tenants may take to prevent evictions between now and the end of January 2021. Governor Newsom signed AB 3088 that protects tenants impacted by COVID-19 from getting evicted. Tenants will have to pay at least 25% of their rent between September 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, in order to prevent evictions.
Building Resilient and Affordable Homes to Stand Multiple Disasters
The last two months made more evident the need to build and preserve resilient and healthy homes. Most houses in San Mateo County were built prior to 1978. But since then, we are experiencing more frequent climate change hazards such as extreme heat and wildfires that put our health at risk. Most of these homes are not equipped to sustain long periods of heat or insulate the smoke.
Virtual Walk Audit in South San Francisco
Health, Policy and Planning partnered with the San Mateo County Office of Education and Stanford’s Our Voice to host our first virtual walk audit! The event was virtual but centered around safe walking and biking near Sunshine Gardens Elementary school in South San Francisco. The goal was to have community residents, students, parents, teachers, city staff, and elected officials walk the area noting challenges and opportunities for safe walking and biking using the Our Voice application.
Health Equity State Bills Updates
This month concludes a whirlwind session at the state Capitol like no other previous year. Supporting those most affected by the pandemic became a top legislative priority. Through the support of our partners at the Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative, regional priorities such as sick leave (SB 1383) and job protections (AB 1867 and 3216) have been signed by Governor Newson.
CCCS Partners Identify Key Components for Advancing Racial Equity in San Mateo County
The CCCS Racial Equity Subcommittee continued discussions to solidify the racial equity priorities most aligned with CCCS goals: 1) Increase representation of community members with lived experience in County leadership positions; 2) Advance an action-oriented county declaration of racism as a public health crisis; 3) Fund prevention instead of punishment; and 4) Stop or limit punitive disciplinary practices for youth. Partners are meeting to prioritize strategies to fulfill these goals such as strengthening programs and resources for local leadership development, securing econo
CCCS Partners Attend Racial Equity Community Dialogue Sessions in Redwood City
CCCS Partners attended a series of community dialogues in Redwood City hosted by the Peninsula Conflict Resource Center (PCRC) which brought community members, elected officials, and city staff together to share priorities and strategies for improving community policing and to discuss other critical racial equity issues such as housing access, immigrant rights, safety, and racism. This community input will help to inform upcoming changes in policy and service delivery in Redwood City.
Join Us! Restore and Refill Our Tanks: Connected Conversations Wellness Series
Join the San Mateo County School Wellness Alliance Advisory Group in a wellness series aimed at providing support to the broader education community through engaging conversations, mindfulness practices, and artistic experiences. The series will run for one hour every Wednesday for 8 consecutive weeks starting on September 30. Anyone connected to the broader education community (teachers, administrators, counselors, parents/guardians, support staff, etc.) is welcome to attend.
Routine Vaccinations for School
Children need to have their vaccines up-to-date as the school year resumes. Check with your primary care provider to ensure that your child has received all of their necessary vaccinations. The San Mateo County Medical Center will be providing opportunities for children to receive vaccinations if they are unable to visit their primary care provider.
Moving Education Outdoors
As the school year resumes most students in San Mateo County and across the country are returning to distance learning. COVID-19 has upended many aspects of our life, including education.
Meet the Next Phoenix Garden Volunteer Coordinator
San Mateo County Health is happy to announce that Kris Jensen was selected to continue serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Phoenix Garden. The Phoenix Garden is Permaculture Garden located adjacent to the San Mateo County Youth Services Center. The garden will be home to various learning labs, educational and treatment programs, open nature areas and public meeting spaces.