San Mateo Co. Kicks Off Mental Health Month With Events, Education

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Board of Supervisors will be kicking off Mental Health Month by making a proclamation honoring the designation on Tuesday, as cities prepare to hold educational and community events highlighting mental health throughout May.

The Supes have approved an initial $200,000 to fund mental health first aid training for residents, Supervisor David J. Canepa announced on Sunday.

"We've seen a heavy uptick in depression, particularly in our youth, during this pandemic, and no one is immune to it-- not even me," said Canepa.

The training project will prepare residents to intervene early and assist adults and youth experiencing mental health challenges or crises, Canepa said.

"When 40 percent of high school students say they feel hopeless, we must do all we can to restore that hope and this is just the start," he said.

The county has several other events and educational trainings throughout the month of May, including an open house at the Felton Institute to discuss psychosis and bipolar issues, a Mind Your Health Festival at the Cunha Middle School in Half Moon Bay, and a screening of the film "Angst" in San Carlos.

For a full list of the month's events, go to smcmentalhealthmonth.org.

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