Health and Wellness

Understanding Our Kids: Youth Mental Health and the Road to Resilience

December 5, 2023

To better understand the mental health challenges facing youth today, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian held a panel discussion that brought together experts in the mental health field as well as youth mental health advocates. Titled, “Understanding Our Kids: Youth Mental Health and the Road to Resilience,” the discussion focused on how to identify and prevent a mental health crisis, the availability of County and community mental health services for families in crisis, and the benefits of peer-to-peer support systems.

County Supervisors seek mental health access for older adults

November 27, 2023

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal aiming to assess and respond to older adult mental health needs in the County. County staff will analyze programs currently available for older adults to access mental health care, and provide recommendations on how those programs can better address the unique challenges older adults are facing.

Supervisors push to bridge the gap with mobile dental services for veterans

November 8, 2023

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to augment funding for mobile dental services for the County’s resident veterans as part of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget. This action was brought forward by County Supervisor Joe Simitian and co-authored by County Supervisor Otto Lee, and looks to provide relief to over 64,000 veterans living in Santa Clara County.

County Supervisors recognize Luisa Buada for her impact on the community

November 6, 2023

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors honored longtime community health leader Luisa Buada as she retires as Chief of Executive Officer of Ravenswood Family Health Network, which provides primary and preventative care services designed to reach underserved, uninsured and low-income families in northern Santa Clara County and southern San Mateo County.

Giving caregivers the care – and resources – they/we need

October 2, 2023

Caregivers — whether a family member, a community volunteer, or paid helpers — provide life-enhancing, indeed often life-saving, in-home support. Finding capable, compassionate care is a concern for many here in Santa Clara County, especially now.

Better breast cancer detection saves lives

September 19, 2023

A year from now, more than a decade after groundbreaking action here in California, a new federal law will take effect improving breast cancer screening in women with dense breast tissue.

Who cares for the caregivers?

September 1, 2023

After reviewing the Older Adult Caregiver Study from the County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors directed County staff to consider ways to support adult caregivers in the County. The study describes who our long-term caregivers are, and the barriers they face when providing care for older adults.