Healthy San Mateo County

10/01/2026

COULD EMS BE YOUR NEXT CAREER? 🚑

If you’re looking for a career where you can help people, serve your community and make a difference when it matters most, EMS could be the path for you.

Through a partnership between San Mateo County Health and Alameda County EMS Corps, you can get the training and support to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL GET:

🎓 Free, 5-month EMT training
💰 $10,000 student grant to help with living expenses
🤝 Mentorship and support
🚑 Career-focused preparation
📚 Training from experienced EMS professionals

No need to figure it all out on your own. EMS Corps is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to take the next step.

READY TO EXPLORE A CAREER IN EMS?

Applications are due October 31, 2026.

Your future in EMS could start here.

https://alcoemscorps.org/apply/January-2027

09/30/2026

The Weight We Carry does not disappear when September ends. Neither does the power of a supportive conversation, a caring check-in, or a connection to help.

Keep these reminders with you:

▪️It is okay to ask for help.
▪️It is okay to ask someone directly if they are thinking about su***de.
▪️Listening without judgment matters.
▪️Support is available 24/7.
▪️No one in San Mateo County has to carry life’s hardest moments alone.

Su***de prevention is a shared, year-round commitment. If you would like to stay involved, consider joining the San Mateo County Su***de Prevention Coalition—a community of residents, providers, advocates, and partners working together to promote connection, reduce stigma, and prevent su***de.

Please save and share these resources. A simple act of connection may help someone feel seen, supported, and less alone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about su***de:
Call the San Mateo County Crisis Line: [Phone]
Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

Learn more about su***de prevention resources and the Su***de Prevention Coalition at SMCHealth.org/Su***dePrevention.


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09/28/2026

💚 TOGETHER, WE ARE NAMIWALKS! 💙
Join us on Saturday, October 3 for NAMIWalks San Mateo County 2026 at Coyote Point Park!
NAMIWalks is a community event bringing people together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support mental health. And the best part? Registration is FREE!
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
⏰ Start time: 9 AM
📍 Coyote Point Park — Duck Pond, San Mateo
🚶 1K & 5K walk options
✨ Registration is FREE!
Come enjoy music, food & resources, Kids & Teens Zones, interactive community experiences, and more while standing together for mental health.
Whether you walk, volunteer, bring your family, build a team, or simply show up — there's a place for you. 💚
👉 Register today: namiwalks.org/sanmateo
Follow NAMI San Mateo County on Facebook:
Instagram:
Also follow and for more mental health resources and updates.

Join us for NAMIWalks San Mateo County 2026 on Saturday, October 3 at our exciting NEW location, Coyote Point in San Mateo! Gather with friends, family, community leaders, and mental health advocates for an inspiring day featuring a 1K and 5K walk, kids' activities, great food, community resources, and powerful stories of hope and recovery.

Registration is free - sign up today at namiwalks.org/sanmateo and help us take steps toward Mental Health for All.

09/24/2026

The San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women asks for your input!

People who live or work in San Mateo County are invited to share their experiences and perspectives on the financial realities of making a living in one of the most expensive areas in the nation.

The Commission on the Status of Women is checking in with all of you who live or work in San Mateo County. It's been two years since we published our Fund the Future report with six recommendations that the County of San Mateo have addressed with initiatives and funding.

While acknowledging this progress, we are still prioritizing engagement with the community and are asking you for feedback. Please take our Making Ends Meet survey to tell us what you think!

Click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MakeEndsMeet or scan the QR code. Your voice matters!

09/23/2026

It can be hard to know what to say when a man or boy in your life seems stressed, isolated, angry, withdrawn, or unlike himself.

You do not need to be a mental health professional. You do not need perfect words. What matters is showing that you notice, you care, and you are willing to stay present.

Try starting with:

▪️“You’ve had a lot going on. How are you holding up?”
▪️“You don’t have to carry all of this by yourself.”
▪️“I’ve noticed you seem more quiet/stressed/angry lately. I care about you.”
▪️“Want to take a walk, grab food, or talk for a while?”
▪️“I’m here to listen. You do not have to explain everything perfectly.”
▪️“Sometimes when people are under this much pressure, they think about su***de. Are you having thoughts like that?”

If they open up:

☑️Listen without trying to immediately fix the problem.
☑️Avoid minimizing language such as “just cheer up” or “you’ll get over it.”
☑️Thank them for telling you.
☑️Stay connected and help them reach support.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about su***de:
Call 650-579-0350 (San Mateo County Crisis Line)
Call/Text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

Checking in is not intrusive. It is an act of care.

Learn more about events and resources at SMCHealth.org/Su***dePreventionMonth


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09/22/2026

GET TRAINED. GET SUPPORTED. GET STARTED.

What if you could train for a career in EMS without paying for the program?

San Mateo County Health is partnering with Alameda County EMS Corps to offer a:

FREE 5-MONTH, FULL-TIME EMT TRAINING PROGRAM

And this year, participants will receive a $10,000 ($2k/month) student grant to help cover living expenses during training.

Plus, you’ll receive:

🚑 EMT training
🤝 Mentorship
📚 Career-focused education
💪 Support throughout the program

Whether you're starting your career or looking for a new direction, EMS Corps can help you take the next step.

Don’t let the cost of training hold you back.

📅 Apply by October 31, 2026.

https://alcoemscorps.org/apply/January-2027

09/16/2026

Men and boys are often taught to stay strong, solve problems alone, or avoid talking about emotional pain. That can make it harder to recognize when someone is struggling—and harder for them to ask for help.

During Su***de Prevention Month, take time to 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 that a friend, family member, teammate, coworker, or neighbor may need support.

Possible warning signs can include:

▪️Talking about wanting to die, feeling trapped, or being a burden
▪️Withdrawing from family, friends, hobbies, school, work, or community
▪️Increasing alcohol or drug use
▪️Taking more risks or acting recklessly
▪️Strong anger, irritability, agitation, or sudden mood changes
▪️Giving away valued belongings or saying goodbye
▪️Changes in sleep, eating, energy, or ability to manage daily life
▪️Feeling hopeless or saying there is no reason to live

A person does not need to show every sign to deserve support. Trust your instincts. If something feels different, reach out.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about su***de:
Call 650-579-0350 (San Mateo County Crisis Line)
Call/Text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

Learn more about events and resources at SMCHealth.org/Su***dePreventionMonth


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09/10/2026

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆.

Many men and boys carry visible and invisible burdens—stress, grief, isolation, emotional pain, financial pressure, relationship challenges, trauma, and expectations to stay strong or handle problems alone.

These burdens may not always look like sadness. They can show up as anger, withdrawal, risk-taking, increased alcohol or drug use, exhaustion, or feeling disconnected from the people and activities that once mattered.

This September, San Mateo County encourages everyone to take three steps to support men and boys in your life and help lighten the weight they carry.

1. Know the Signs
2. Find the Words
3. Connect to Support

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about su***de:
Call 650-579-0350 (San Mateo County Crisis Line)
Call/Text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

Learn more about events and resources at SMCHealth.org/Su***dePreventionMonth


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09/03/2026

Service can bring purpose, pride, and connection. It can also come with stress, grief, trauma, and experiences that may be difficult to leave behind.

San Mateo County community members are invited to attend “When the Mission Follows You Home,” an in-person forum for veterans, first responders and their supporters.

September 10, 2026
9:00am-12:00pm
Central Peninsula Church, 1005 Shell Boulevard, Foster City

The forum will create space for conversation, support, and connection around the mental health needs of veterans, first responders, and the people who stand beside them.

If you are a veteran, first responder, family member, colleague, or community supporter: your presence matters.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/when-the-mission-follows-you-home-forum-for-veterans-and-first-responders-tickets-1995162589012?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about su***de:
Call 650-579-0350 (San Mateo County Crisis Line)
Call/Text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

Learn more about other events and resources at
SMCHealth.org/Su***dePreventionMonth


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09/02/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗠𝗧 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿?

San Mateo County Health is partnering with Alameda County EMS Corps to offer a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, 𝟱-𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗘𝗠𝗧 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺.

And this year, participants will receive a $𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 ($𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵) 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 to help cover living expenses during training.

For EMS Corps alum Dylan Heng, the experience was about more than earning a credential.

“𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘔𝘚.” -Dylan

Through instructors, mentors and a supportive community, Dylan found the encouragement he needed to succeed and discovered a future he was passionate about.

Free training. Financial support. Mentorship. A pathway into EMS.

Your future in emergency medical services could start here.

Learn more about EMS Corps and how to apply:

https://bit.ly/EMS-Jan2027