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August 2016 Newsletter
Hungry for Healthy Schools

Newsletter

Building healthy, equitable communities together 
Over 30 partners gathered at the Health System this week to discuss how to make San Mateo County healthier and learn more about the annual Community Implementation Funding opportunity!  

How can you create a competitive proposal? Learn more about the RFP and ask questions to staff on the RFP Informational Webinar, Thursday, September 8, 12:30-1:30pm. RSVP here. Check out our Funding FAQs and see the great work accomplished by our 2015 recipients here. Remember, applications are due 9/21!

Items to include in this newsletter

Staff Perspective Justin Watkins

Farm to School

The majority of children in San Mateo County and across the country are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Get Healthy San Mateo County (GHSMC) is working hard to change that by supporting Farm to School initiatives in San Mateo County schools that encourage students to become more engaged in the food system and increase their interest in lifelong healthy eating.

News

Better Late than Never 

Many of the transit agencies already have late-night service, and some have been ramping it up in recent years. The new Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) AllNighter campaign is looking to help transit users such as low-wage workers (who are most likely to use the service) know what options are available. This is important for economic security and health!

News

How Smart is your Growth

Transform has released a new tool, Green TRIP  Connect, that helps you quantify the benefits of building affordable housing near public transit. Calculate how new affordable homes near transit can reduce driving and greenhouse gas emissions. You can also see how much money and space can be saved from right-sized parking.

News

From and for the Heart 

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released new guidelines for children and sugar: no more than 6 teaspoons (100 calories) of sugar per day and only one sugary drink per week! The AHA says this will help prevent heart problems such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

News

Explore El Camino like Never Before

The Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) has released the Activity Along the Corridor Story Map, an interactive, visual representation of the land use and transportation projects and plans that have been completed or are in progress since GBI began. Search for a particular plan or click around to see where projects are located and their timeline.

News

Local EMT Scholarships Save Lives 

San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum and American Medical Response (AMR) have awarded the first “Save A Life” scholarships for two students to attend the College of San Mateo’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at full-ride. The scholarship also provides a mentor to help with coursework and cover examinations and certification costs.

News

Imagine Schools without Teachers 

That’s becoming a reality as more school districts throughout the state are facing teacher shortages. With many positions cut during the Great Recession, school districts are now in a place to expand capacity but having trouble filling vacancies with issued credentials which are at a historic low.

News

Housing victory for low-income seniors 

The San Mateo County Department of Housing, the Health Plan of San Mateo, and nonprofit developers have forged a new partnership to better serve low-income seniors. This new Duals Demo program sets aside a portion of units in new affordable senior housing developments for seniors currently living in or at-risk of moving into long-term care and could live independently with support. Launched at Half Moon Village, the program will roll out in new senior affordable housing projects as they come online.

News

What’s the biggest challenge facing those with mental health conditions?

Housing. That’s what the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission (MHSARC) released its preliminary recommendations for how to better support people with mental health and substance use challenges in the county. The MHSARC conducted 3 Community Forums on Housing to help advise the Board of Supervisors on matters affecting clients and family members.