During a community forum, Dr. April Clay, Chair of the Culture Competency Advisory Committee, provided an overview of all of DBH’s Subcommittees and the powerful work that has been done over the last 2 years!  The virtual event was provided by the California Black Woman’s Health Project and the California Pan-Ethic Health Network.  
 

Update: Check out the video above to see who won the contest!!

​Check out some of the special shout outs to DBH social workers!

Know of an awesome DBH social worker that you think should be recognized for the work they do? Let the Public Relations and Outreach team know! Send us an email at DBH-PublicRelations@dbh.sbcounty.gov or text to (909)495-7299 and in 20 words or less by Monday, March 28 and tell us why you think your nominee should be recognized. Those who are nominated will have a chance to win a DBH swag bag!

Are you a social worker?  Send us an email at DBH-PublicRelations@dbh.sbcounty.gov  and tell us why you wanted to be a social worker/what you enjoy most about social work AND a photo of yourself. We may share it to our social media! :)​

​In Case You Missed It
DBH visited 10 high schools this month to provide behavioral health resources to students! DBH recently also attended Redlands East Valley's Mental Health Fair, reaching hundreds of students with the message of behavioral health wellness. Pictured is Lana Frausto, DBH Peer and Family Advocate II, talking with students. 

“This event is going to open up a dialogue between the students, where maybe they might not feel comfortable talking. But, now that everyone is here and there is a lot of support, they will be more open to discuss mental health,” said DBH Volunteer Services Coordinator Susan Abito. Check out the article about the event here. 

​Learn About the Department Diversity Committee (DDC)
All DBH employees are invited to attend an informational session on Tue., March 29 via WebEx from noon – 1 p.m. to meet the current DDC members, learn about DDC objectives and goals, and learn about the application requirements and interview process. Plus, there will be an opportunity to win free prizes! Save the date and join the meeting at https://bit.ly/3i6odDo. 

It's National Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month! Podcast Host and DBH's Public Relations Manager Aimara Freeman speaks with Enrique Gonzalez, DBH Alcohol and Drug Counselor, about substance use disorders, prescription drug abuse and treatment options. He provides advice for loved ones who may know someone struggling with substance use disorders and also shares his own inspiring story of recovery. Later in the episode we celebrate National Social Work Month as Fabeola Lazaro, Social Worker II, shares why she became a social worker.
​
Subscribe to the podcast today! Resilient and Real is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Facebook or wherever you get your podcasts! Or click below to listen to the latest episodes!

The San Bernardino County Human Services Emergency Services Unit (HSESU) is recruiting for the HAM Radio Licensing Class. Classes are offered by HSESU in conjunction with San Bernardino County Emergency Communications Service (ECS) and paid for by DBH Office of Disaster and Safety.
Licensing Class Expectations

• Obtain a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amateur radio license.
• Become proficient with operating county-issued ham radio equipment.
• Participate in monthly HS HAM net check-ins, bi-annual meetings, and drills.
• Operate HAM radio equipment during an emergency, as directed by Department Emergency Operations Plan and disaster response guidance.
• Highly recommended completion of Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) emergency courses IS-100, IS-200 and IS-700.
• All materials will be provided by HSESU.

2022 Class Schedule

• March 29, 30, 31.
• May 24, 25, 26.
• August 30, 31 and Sept 1.

DBH staff must obtain supervisor approval to attend this 3-day course. Staff must submit their email of interest, with supervisor approval included, with preferred class dates to safety@dbh.sbcounty.gov for registration consideration. Staff will receive confirmation responses from Disaster and Safety, once they’ve been registered for a future class.
 
For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Disaster and Safety at (909) 386-8292 or by email at safety@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

Know of an awesome DBH social worker that you think should be recognized for the work they do? Let the Public Relations and Outreach team know! Send us an email at DBH-PublicRelations@dbh.sbcounty.gov or text to (909)495-7299 and in 20 words or less, tell us why you think your nominee should be recognized. Those who are nominated will have a chance to win a DBH swag bag! Plus, send us a photo of your nominee for a chance for them to get a special shout out on social media! 

For more information about National Social Work Month, click here. 

Dear Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Staff,

This March, we’re excited to celebrate National Social Work Month and Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month.
​
This year’s theme for National Social Work Month, The Time is Right for Social Work, emphasizes the role social workers play in our nation, and highlights how more people are entering the field because the life-affirming services that social works provide. DBH continues to celebrate social workers, the profession of social work, and the valuable contributions social workers have made to our department and our community.
 
Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month serves as a reminder to raise awareness and educate friends, family and those we serve on prescription drug abuse and the importance of safe and effective opioid medication use. One practical way we can help reduce prescription drug abuse is by storing prescription drugs in a secure location and disposing of unused or expired medication in a safe and secure local drop box.
 
This month the DBH podcast “Resilient and Real” will feature an episode about prescription drug abuse awareness and how we can assist those we love who may be struggling with prescription drug abuse. Stay tuned for updates! Visit www.drugabuse.gov or www.stopmedicineabuse.org for helpful resources.
 
The Executive Team and I thank you all for the work you do.
Georgina Yoshioka, DSW, MBA, LCSW
Interim Director

Dear Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Staff,
 
The Russia-Ukraine crisis has continued to impact many lives and numerous people are seeing tragic and traumatic events in Ukraine. Although we may not physically be there, the tragedy has also impacted many of us, including our loved ones and friends, adding layers of stress to an already stressful time.
 
It is important to remember that these events can trigger and increase feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, and painful memories for people who have been impacted by trauma. Ignoring and suppressing emotional reactions can contribute to delayed and worsened trauma reactions. Remember, these reactions are normal and appropriate.
 
Positive coping and self-care strategies include:

• Recognizing and acknowledging the feelings you and/or others are experiencing;
• Finding healthy ways to cope with stress that allow the mind to focus on things other than distressing thoughts, such as engaging in activities that you enjoy or that bring you peace;
• Limiting the amount of time you spend on social media and watching the news;
• Engaging in contemplative activities like reading, walking, or interacting with one’s faith-based community; and
• Being in the company of those you love and who support you.
• Remember to use your support system and don’t be afraid to reach out!

Additional resources are available on the DBH website.

On behalf of the Executive Team and I, thank you all for the work you do,
Georgina Yoshioka, DSW, MBA, LCSW
Interim Director