Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well.
We received the news that the California Assembly Bill 988 was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom at the end of September, and our team could not be more grateful. 988 is the new dial code introduced by the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) aimed at improving crisis response in America. Since July 16, 2022, the StarVista Crisis Center, a member of the Lifeline Network, has been answering most 988 calls from individuals with a 650-area code in addition to calls to our 24/7 Crisis Hotline 650-579-0350.
I would like to give a shout-out to our incredible Crisis Center staff and volunteers for their commitment and passion for the crisis services StarVista provides in San Mateo County. This dynamic team of individuals, some with lived experience, strengthens communities by helping individuals in crisis in the short term and empowering them to find long-term support and solutions. I would also like to thank our Crisis Center funders and supporters, including but not limited to, San Mateo County BHRS, the City of Foster City, the City of Burlingame, the Sequoia Healthcare District, the Peninsula Healthcare District, SolMateo, and the Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation, for your continued partnership in helping individuals navigate the challenges they face by making our crisis services accessible in the county.
The launch of 988 is only a fraction of the expansion of StarVista’s programs and services. To hear more about our organization’s advancement in addressing mental health needs, I invite you to join me at our once-a-year fundraising event, Changing Lives, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 6pm. StarVista and other local community leaders will give attendees a look into the future of mental health and wellness services and share our innovative practices addressing the emerging needs of San Mateo County children, teens, adults, and families. Enjoy an evening of free food and drinks, live DJ music, and stories of inspiration with your friends at StarVista in the beautiful Farallon Room at Skyline College or watch the hour-long livestream of our main show from the comfort of your home. Whether you will be in attendance in person or virtually, I hope to see you on October 26!
Sincerely,
Sara Larios Mitchell, Ph.D., MACP
CEO
