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Press Release: For immediate release
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Lea Berhane
Chief Development, Marketing & Technology Officer
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StarVista and San Mateo PAL Partner to host Mental Health Matters 2024 in partnership with Stride for Awareness
Local nonprofits come together again to host a wellness event in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
May 2, 2024
San Carlos, CA – StarVista and the San Mateo Police Activities League (PAL) are partnering with Stride for Awareness to host a mental health-focused community event in honor of Mental Health Month in May. Mental Health Matters 2024: A 5K Run/Walk and Wellness Fair is a community event taking place on Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm in San Mateo that brings us together to support and raise awareness about the importance of health and mental well-being.
This empowering day is dedicated to supporting health and mental wellness, encouraging community partnerships, and education about diverse wellness resources. The event will kick off with a 5K Run or Walk on the scenic trail of Seal Point Park at 9:00am. Participants are welcome to bring strollers and dogs, with mindfulness to other participants. A race T-shirt and participation medal are included with 5K registration.
After the 5K Run/Walk, join us for the Wellness Fair at Ryder Park starting at 9:00 am. This fair will feature wellness activities like painting, scrapbooking, yoga, guest speakers, and information booths hosted by various health and wellness advocates. The fair aims to provide a space for community members to connect and learn about health and wellness in a fun, supportive environment.
“Thank You to the San Mateo Police Activities League and StarVista for, once again, coordinating the Mental Health Matters Walk on Saturday, May 17th. This event underscores the importance of mental health awareness and community support,” shared Chief Ed Barberini, San Mateo Police Department. “Together, let’s walk towards destigmatizing mental health issues and continuing to foster more empathetic and inclusive communities.”
Let’s make strides in mental health awareness together! Mark your calendars for May 18 and join us at Ryder Park for a day of fitness, fun, and furry friends! Registration is complimentary for the wellness fair experience and ticketed for the 5K experience. Register for the event at https://runsignup.com/mhmatters2024
Mental Health Matters 2024 is being held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and is sponsored by SolMateo, Stanford Health Care, Sequoia Health Care District, and Viola Law Firm. It was also recently highlighted by the San Mateo Daily Journal.
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.
San Mateo PAL is a nonprofit organization that works in collaboration with the San Mateo Police Department and the San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department to keep our kids in school and away from negative and troubling behaviors, such as drugs, gangs and poor choices. We are a free membership-based organization open to all youth ages 5 to 18 who reside or attend school in San Mateo. We offer enrichment classes, recreational, social and educational opportunities throughout the year. All San Mateo PAL activities are low-cost or offered at a nominal fee and further assistance is available with verified financial need.
Stride for Awareness (SFA) is a nonprofit organization that was created in the spirit of involvement and the power of community working together for a common goal. SFA strives to work with community leaders and organizations to promote discussion, education and understanding of critical issues.
An important aspect of maintaining one’s wellness is to know when to reach out when you need help. The StarVista Crisis Center provides suicide intervention services and programs for San Mateo County residents, including a 24-hour crisis hotline 650-579-0350, 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.