Items to include in this newsletter
Community Implementation Funding to be Released on Public Purchase
We are working behind the scenes to finalize details on the Get Healthy SMC Community Implementation Funding before its release in January. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released through Public Purchase where proposers will submit their applications. The County of San Mateo has a previously recorded virtual training for local community-based organizations on how to use Public Purchase to access formal solicitations posted by the County of San Mateo.
Meet our new Management Analyst, Veena Raghavan
by Veena Raghavan, Management Analyst
Hello, my name is Veena and I am delighted to be joining Health Policy and Planning (HPP) as a Management Analyst. The importance of integrating all programs under a shared umbrella of equity is our focus. Equity practices pervade our work across HPP from ensuring safe school environments to building opportunities for shared decision making with community.
Boards and Commissions Vacancies
County of San Mateo: The North Fair Oaks (NFO) Community Council has two vacant seats, one member and one youth. The NFO Community Council addresses the needs of the community and serves as an advisory council to the Board of Supervisors on those matters which relate to the North Fair Oaks community, including, but not limited to, advice on matters of public health, safety, welfare, public works, policy, planning, community development, program development, and services pertaining to North Fair Oaks.
Help Us Build Local Emergency Response Talent
The application for the next Emergency Medical Services Corps cohort is now open for a rigorous five-month academy that trains aspiring emergency medical professionals who are from the community and ready to serve. It is a free Emergency Medical Technician program whose mission is to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the medical responder and health workforce. Student grants are available, and graduates receive support accessing entry-level jobs with local ambulance providers.
Great Collaboration Between Cities to Advance Active Transportation
In partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education, City of East Palo Alto, City of Menlo Park, and Stanford Our Voice Initiative, local organizations conducted walk assessments around the four Ravenswood City School District schools earlier this year.
Requests for Bids (RFB) to Develop “Public Health 101” Community Workshops
San Mateo County Health (SMCH) seeks competitive quotes from qualified organizations or individual consultants to develop and deliver a web and in-person-based community-facing workshop on Public Health 101, highlighting SMC Public Health services and structure.
This proposal requires a Spanish-speaking consultant. The consultant must be available to conduct workshops in person.
Submissions Due: ASAP, open until filled
#ImReady–Reimagine Everything Conference Takeaways
On October 29, team members joined the #ImReady Reimagine Everything conference hosted by AAPI Women Lead in Oakland, California’s Chinatown. This conference, inspired by Dr. Grace Lee Boggs’ speech ‘Reimagine Everything’, touched on equity topics including transformative justice, mutual aid, community safety/ emergency preparedness, violence in our communities, healing justice, and more. Here are some calls to action shared during the conference that have inspired our team:
Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) Conference Highlights Commitment to Equity
The Healthcare Anchor Network’s mission (paraphrased) is to harness health systems’ economic power to sustainably care for the well-being of the communities they serve by addressing the structural determinants of health. Conference topics ranged from place-based investment to impact purchasing and workforce to engaging community and building internal support.
Successful South San Francisco (SSF) Early Learning Resource Fair
On November 10, 2022, The Big Lift, in collaboration with SSF Park and Recreation, SSF Library, and San Mateo County Health, hosted an Early Learning Resource Fair for families of children ages 0 to 7, with approximately 180 families in attendance. The event highlighted community resources for families and early learning opportunities within SSF. San Mateo County Health was on-site to provide COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. One of the highlights for the children was the Beetlelady’s Pop-Up Bug Museum!
Recommendations for a Safe Holiday Season
Parents, students, and community members can practice good respiratory hygiene, stay up to date on applicable vaccinations, e.g., flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, and test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. If your COVID-19 test is negative and you don’t feel well it’s still important to stay home until you have improved because it’s possible that you may have another illness that could be spread to others.
Friendsgiving with GAP Program Young Adults
The CalFresh Healthy Living Team along with Melvisha Gaines from the Live in Peace organization hosted a Friendsgiving Dinner with young adults participating in the Growth and Purpose Program (GAP). The GAP program is for young adults that have graduated from high school but aren’t yet sure what their next step will be, the GAP-Year provides a cohort model in which young adults explore their options. Some will go on to college, while others may pursue a trade. We had about 15 GAP participants join us to make healthy vegetarian pizza. It was a fun evening that everyon
Community Air Quality Training in South County Educates Residents
This month Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) hosted an air quality training for about 65 residents of East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, and Belle Haven. The training, led by The Bay Area Air Center, covered foundational concepts in air quality, including where it comes from, how it’s measured, and its health effects. It also explained who regulates air pollution and how to understand air quality data from sources like the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Environmental Protection Agency.