Press Release: For immediate release
Contact Information:
Lea Berhane, Chief Development, Marketing & Technology Officer
Phone: 650-591-9623 x142Email: [email protected]
StarVista and San Mateo PAL Partner for Mental Health Matters 2023
San Carlos, CA – April 17, 2023 – StarVista and the San Mateo Police Activities League (PAL) are partnering to host a mental health-focused community event in honor of Mental Health Month in May. Mental Health Matters 2023: A Wellness Fair and 5K Event will combine both nonprofits’ annual wellness events into one – offering San Mateo County residents of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of wellness activities and learn about mental health resources in their communities.
Mental Health Matters 2023 hopes to strengthen the resilience of our neighbors and empower people from every walk of life and age to find their best futures. This outdoor event will take place on Sunday, May 21 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at Seal Point Park in San Mateo. Registrants can choose to participate in a variety of activities, including a 5K run/walk, self-care activities, yoga, live music, and more. The 5K is set to start at 9:30 am and will run along the trail at Seal Point Park.
“This event has always been very important to both PAL and the San Mateo Police Department. StarVista is a tremendous partner and I look forward to this collaborative effort,” says Chief Ed Barberini of San Mateo Police Department and dual StarVista and San Mateo PAL board member. “The day is sure to be a success in bringing our communities together to raise awareness for challenges associated with wellness and mental health.”
Registration is complimentary for the wellness fair experience and ticketed for the 5K experience. Register for the event at www.star-vista.org/mhmatters.
Mental Health Matters 2023 is being held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and is sponsored by Stanford Health Care, Mayer Family Foundation and Viola Law Firm.
Founded in 1997 in collaboration with the San Mateo Police and San Mateo Parks and Recreation departments, the San Mateo Police Activities League (PAL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that “Builds the Bond Between Cops & Kids,” helping underserviced and at-risk kids remain safe in school, involved in positive activities, and connected to needed services. Their vision includes reducing and preventing youth gang involvement, juvenile delinquency, and economic inequalities and increasing participants’ community engagement, self-esteem, school performance, mental health, and physical wellness.
StarVista is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been helping people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges for over 55 years. Their counseling, case management, skill development, and crisis prevention programs reach tens of thousands of people in our community each year. From struggles with substance abuse and thoughts of suicide to family violence and homelessness, StarVista helps approximately 40,000 people of all ages and life experiences persevere through their challenges every year.
An important aspect of maintaining one’s wellness is to know when to reach out when you need help. The StarVista Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center provides suicide intervention services and programs for San Mateo County residents, including a 24-hour crisis hotline 650-579-0350, mobile youth crisis response team, online and text teen crisis support, and educational presentations to the community and schools. It is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and belongs to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline national network of crisis centers.