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#JustDrive

‘Just Drive’: County of Santa Clara Launches Education and Enforcement Campaign for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. April 5, 2024– April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and County officials on Friday announced a campaign to bring attention to this risky behavior with stepped up education efforts as well as added enforcement on the roads.
County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who wrote California’s first hands-free cell phone law as a State Senator in 2006, was joined by representatives from the County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services at a media event on Friday to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving.
“The technology is great,” said Simitian, “but we’ve got to use it wisely. If you have your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your thoughts somewhere else, that’s a deadly mix,” he said. “Good laws are a start, but every driver behind the wheel has to follow those good laws to keep us all safe.”
Simitian went on to observe that “in the first year our hands-free law was in effect we saw a 20% decrease in traffic fatalities here in California – 700 fewer fatalities. That means that every day, somewhere in our state, a couple of people got to sit down with their families for dinner who otherwise wouldn’t have made it through the day.”
The monthlong County campaign features social media posts and ads, including a billboard along Highway 101 in San Jose that reminds people to “just drive.” The campaign website, www.JustDriveSCC.org, asks drivers to pledge to focus on the road, silence the distractions, and speak up for safety by encouraging friends and family to take the pledge and commit to focused driving.
“The pledge is more than just words – it is a commitment to making our roads safer for everyone,” said Jackie Lowther, the County’s Director of Emergency Medical Services.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounts for about 8% of all fatal crashes in the nation.
“It’s a significant challenge, but also one we have total control over,” said County Sheriff Bob Jonsen. “Put your phones down – whatever’s on there will still be there when you reach your destination. Think of it as a life-saving lifestyle change: Don’t take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Just drive.”
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your focus away from the task of safe driving.
According to CHP data, there were more than 2,000 crashes involving a distracted driver in Santa Clara County between 2018 and 2022. Across the United States, crashes caused by distracted drivers claimed 3,522 lives in 2021, according to the NHTSA, and experts say the official number is likely a significant undercount because it is difficult for authorities to definitively prove that a driver was distracted right before a crash.
Law enforcement agencies have the authority to enforce “hands-free” laws, and the County Sheriff's Office will join other agencies in a monthlong crackdown on motorists using a handheld mobile device. These stops can include an educational reminder about the law, and repeat or severe offenders may be issued a citation.
TIPS TO AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING:
• Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location.
• Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not scroll through apps while driving.
• Struggling not to text and drive? Put the cell phone in the vehicle's trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination.
BECOME AN ALLY:
• Remind your friends and family: If you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s the only thing you should be doing. No distractions.
• If your driver is texting or otherwise distracted, tell them to stop and focus on the road.
• Ask your friends to join you in pledging not to drive distracted. You could save a life.
• Share your pledge on social media to spread the word — #JustDrive.

County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board Recognizes Local Heroes

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board will host the 13th Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 333 W. Julian Street (Auditorium) in San Jose, CA.

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Opens VHC Morgan Hill

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Opens VHC Morgan Hill Providing Urgent Care, Specialty Care, Laboratory, X-Ray and Pharmacy Care for South County

Santa Clara County, Calif. – Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is opening a new Valley Health Center clinic, VHC Morgan Hill (formerly known as De Paul Health Center), to expand health care coverage for residents in South County, South San José, and surrounding areas. VHC Morgan Hill will begin full-time operations on March 18, 2023.

“The opening of VHC Morgan Hill is a remarkable milestone in the work Santa Clara County is doing to ensure quality health care for everyone – including those in South County and the 120,000 county residents who will most directly benefit,” said Sylvia Arenas, County of Santa Clara Supervisor. “VHC Morgan Hill will provide services for all, but it will most notably make an immediate impact for our most vulnerable residents.”

Services will include Primary Care, Gastrointestinal (GI) Specialty, General Surgery, Laboratory, Radiology, Pharmacy and a Walk-in Urgent Care. Beginning in April, a newly hired cardiologist will begin seeing patients at both VHC Morgan Hill and at St. Louise Regional Hospital, a first for SCVH in South County. Future services will include pediatrics, OBGYN, orthopedics and other specialties.

“Residents in Morgan Hill and South County deserve quality healthcare where they live and work and the County of Santa Clara is proud to open VCH Morgan Hill to fulfill this important community need,” said James R. Williams, Santa Clara County Executive.

The center is anticipated to serve up to 15,000 individuals annually with an estimated 40-50,000 patient encounters across its range of specialties.

“The opening of VHC Morgan Hill, combined with St. Louise Regional Hospital and our VHC Gilroy Clinic, provides a wide range of health care options for those living in South County and the surrounding areas,” said Greta Hansen, Chief Operating Officer for the County of Santa Clara. “The County looks forward to further expanding services in the future.”

The facility was acquired by the County of Santa Clara five years ago along with O’Connor Hospital and St. Louise Regional Hospital to preserve quality health care for the County of Santa Clara community. At the time, all three facilities were in danger of closing and VHC Morgan Hill is the latest example of the County’s commitment to investing and caring for everyone in Santa Clara County.

“Purchasing this property was just the first step in bringing us to the opening of VHC Morgan Hill. The subsequent capital investment, along with the hiring of doctors, nurses, and staff, is a direct result of the actions from our Board of Supervisors,” said Paul E. Lorenz, CEO for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.

Clinic hours will be Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with hours for Urgent Care, Laboratory, Radiology, and the Pharmacy being Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Valley Homeless Healthcare Program’s HomeFirst Shelter Expansion More Than Doubles Capacity

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare’s VHHP HomeFirst location provides medical and support services for the county’s unhoused community

Santa Clara County, Calif. – Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) has expanded the footprint of its Valley Health Center (VHC) at HomeFirst Shelter, one of the Valley Homeless Healthcare Program (VHHP) clinic locations, more than doubling its capacity to care for the unhoused community in the county. The expansion of more than 2,200 additional square feet to almost 4,000 sq. ft. for its VHC at HomeFirst Shelter on Little Orchard Street in San Jose will improve care and create a better work environment.

VHHP, a longstanding, dedicated provider of health care services for the county’s unsheltered community, acquired the additional leased space to expand its medical clinic and support services, improve patient experience and flow, and provide added space for staff respite and patient resources.

“This allows the County to provide the proper medical and support services to those most in need,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “No matter what their current situation, everyone deserves access to critical health care needs.”

The VHHP clinical care team focuses on treating the whole person by providing medical, social work, psychiatry, and psychology services. A person does not have to be staying at the shelter to receive medical services. Appointments are made through a same-day appointment system.

“We’re eager to utilize this new space to continue our mission-oriented work, and meet the comprehensive needs of our unsheltered neighbors,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee. “This effort highlights the County’s commitment to our unhoused population.”

“Caring for those that need our help the most is at the heart of what the County does,” said Greta Hansen, Chief Operating Officer for the County of Santa Clara. “We are extremely appreciative of the support from the Board of Supervisors to fund these important initiatives for our unhoused population.”

Nursing staff will have expanded workspaces, enabling additional services such as social offered to clients such as social work and outreach. There are now dedicated staff entrances and exits to improve safety. The expanded location is now fully ADA compliant.

“Having the expanded clinic on the grounds of the HomeFirst shelter allows for more complete care for our community members who need it the most,” said Selene Ho, Director of Valley Homeless Healthcare Program. “The expansion of VHC at HomeFirst Shelter will not only provide enhanced access to medical and behavioral health care, but also to an array of support services including social services and referrals to much needed housing services.”

VHHP current clinic locations include the Valley Health Center (VHC) at Alexian, VHC at HomeFirst Shelter, Bill Wilson Clinic, and Hope Clinic. The program also provides services through three Mobile Health Centers that serve multiple locations throughout Santa Clara County. Additionally, VHHP serves specific communities with unique health care needs through its Medical Respite Program, Gender Clinic, Saludos Migrant Farmworker Clinic, Backpack Homeless Healthcare Program, and Teen Van.

The expansion of the VHHP location was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of HomeFirst and their willingness to provide the additional space.

"Expanding healthcare services directly to those experiencing homelessness or who have the most barriers to care is not just necessary; it's a lifeline. A remodeled medical clinic onsite where HomeFirst is already connected to those most in need further demonstrates our commitment to equity. It becomes a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers to access and fostering a community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can receive the care and compassion they deserve," said Andrea Urton, CEO HomeFirst.

VHC HomeFirst sign on outside of shelter building

Two Local Hospitals Now Thriving as Part of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare

Once at Risk of Closing Down, Two Local Hospitals Now Thriving as Part of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare
Santa Clara County, Calif. March 1, 2024 – After nearly losing two critical medical centers in Santa Clara County five years ago to bankruptcy, both are now thriving and experiencing tremendous growth under the stewardship of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH).
O’Connor Hospital (OCH) in San José, St. Louise Regional Hospital (SLRH) in Gilroy, and the De Paul medical facility in Morgan Hill, now VHC Morgan Hill, teetered on the brink of closure five years ago, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of county residents without convenient, high-quality health care. On March 1, 2019, the County of Santa Clara assumed control of all three facilities at the cost of $235 million.
“Five years ago, tens of thousands of Santa Clara County residents faced the real possibility they would be left without close access to hospital care, until the County stepped in to purchase O’Connor and St. Louise. Now those same residents receive quality and compassionate care thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff are who truly make our County health care system shine,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor and Board President Susan Ellenberg.
The purchase ensured critical health care to more than 120,000 South County residents who were facing the possibility of not having a local hospital. The importance of the purchase is magnified, as many smaller hospitals across California and the U.S. face closure or reduction of services.
“Our healthcare system expansion which includes St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy and Valley Health Center in Morgan Hill extend a critical lifeline for South County residents,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Sylvia Arenas. “Today, we celebrate healthcare equity that brings critical and first-rate medical care to all County residents, including South County, and effectively reduces healthcare access barriers to meet our community where they are at.”
East San José recently saw the announced closure of its only Trauma Center and STEMI Program, which treats severe heart attacks, and it is Santa Clara Valley Healthcare that is stepping in for the public.
“Acquiring the hospitals and health center has been a big lift, but it has come with such enormous benefit to the community. I know it hasn't been easy. I know there have been challenges along the way, but people have really given their best, shown their best side and our community is a better place for it. Thank you,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian who serves as Chair of the County’s Health and Hospital Committee.

“We have seen with the recent loss of a Trauma Center and STEMI program in East San José, how important it is that the County provide a STEMI program at O’Connor Hospital and the Level 1 Trauma Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “Healthy communities are stronger communities and we will not stop serving those in our County who need us the most.”
In 2019, prior to the purchase of OCH and SLRH, SCVMC served as the single safety-net Public Hospital in Silicon Valley and provided over 63,877 Emergency Department visits, 121,425 hospital inpatient days, and approximately 10,000 surgical cases. The three-hospital system, now known as Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH), has grown together to provide more 173,943 ED visits, 220,365 hospital inpatient days, and over 18,848 surgical cases, while serving more than 400,000 individuals on an annual basis.
Since joining SCVH, OCH inpatient days have jumped 62% to 68,546, while ED visits have risen 39% to 67,063 in 2022-23. At SLRH, inpatient days are up 81% to 19,232, with ED visits climbing 37% to 41,116 for 2022-23.
These three hospitals were essential in serving the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ensuring health care throughout Santa Clara County is another reminder of the incredible services the County provides for everyone,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee. “Thankfully we had all three of these facilities to help our County get through the COVID-19 pandemic or we would have lost even more lives.”
The County of Santa Clara has continued investing in people, new technology and infrastructure to expand and augment high-quality medical and hospital services. At OCH, recent additions include upgrading the CT and MRI medical imaging equipment, opening 5 outpatient clinics and further developing programs such as Bariatrics, TAVR and Robotics Surgery.
For SLRH, improvements include adding a SAFE program for those dealing with sexual or physical abuse, implementing a new electronic health record system, expanding physician and nurse recruitment efforts and the recent purchasing of a new CT scanner. Committing to long term health care for residents in Santa Clara County will continue to be a County priority.
“Bringing O’Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital and former De Paul Health Center, now VHC Morgan Hill, into the County Health System has been invaluable in saving lives and delivering excellent healthcare to Santa Clara County residents,” said James R. Williams, Santa Clara County Executive. “As we recognize the anniversary of this expansion, Santa Clara County will continue its commitment to better health for all.”
“Santa Clara Valley Healthcare is the second largest public hospital system in California and our successes are due to continued support from the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors, and the incredible efforts and commitment from our nurses, doctors, and staff who care for our patients every day,” said Paul E. Lorenz, CEO for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.
OCH is a nationally recognized, acute care facility with 358 patient beds, offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and specialty programs. It was founded in 1889 as one of the first hospitals in Santa Clara County. SLRH first opened in 1989, offering a wide range of high-quality medical specialties as the only acute care hospital in South County.

County of Santa Clara Health System Awarded for Helping Cognitively Impaired Avoid Cycle of Incarceration

Santa Clara County, Calif. December 13, 2023 – The County of Santa Clara Health System has received the prestigious 2023 California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH)/California Health Care Safety Net Institute (SNI) Quality Leaders Award (QLA) for their entry “An Integrated Transitions of Care Model for Vulnerable Populations: Developing Best Practices and Closing Gaps for Justice Involved Individuals with Executive Function Disorders.”
The in-reach pilot program is a cross-departmental initiative partnering with the County of Santa Clara’s Behavioral Health Services, Custody Health Services, and Technology Services and Solutions designed to address system gaps and health disparities for justice-involved patients who may benefit from a tailored approach for assessment and treatment planning upon discharge based on knowledge about executive function disorder (EFD).
“Santa Clara Valley Healthcare realizes the unique challenges many of our community members face and is committed to helping everyone achieve the best possible healthcare,” said Paul E. Lorenz, Chief Executive Officer for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. “The teamwork of everyone in Behavioral Health Services, Custody Health Services, and Technology Services is what made this award possible.”
Those with EFD experience higher barriers to social determinants of health and are often limited in their ability to secure housing, employment, accessing primary care, mental health services, and are less inclined to adhere to treatment plans following discharge from custody.
“EFD patients have impairments and deficits that cannot be seen visually and represent an especially vulnerable population needing advocacy and active care coordination,” says Dr. Huy Ngo, Special Populations & Transitions of Care Medical Director. “They face serious challenges both prior to, during, and post-incarceration, and can frequently cycle between institutions while struggling to establish independence.”
The CAPH/SNI QLAs showcase their members’ most outstanding efforts to advance high-quality, equitable health care for Californians and include four categories of awards: equity, population health, care redesign and innovation. The goals of the QLAs are to highlight forward-thinking and innovative approaches in California’s public health care systems and to encourage the spread of effective strategies that improve and advance high-quality, equitable health care.
SCVMC received the QLA award for Innovation with their Integrated Care Team (ICT) pilot program. The program looks at patients that have significant cognitive impairments going through the carceral settings and having higher utilization of the health system. ICT consists of a physician-led multidisciplinary team including a community outreach specialist, rehabilitation counselor, nurse practitioner, and licensed vocational nurse.
“We are finding the gaps in care where people fall through the cracks so that we can support them in sustaining their optimum health in community, decreasing recidivism, and maintaining their housing and their social structure so they are able to maintain relationships as part of their healthy life,” said Michelle de la Calle, County of Santa Clara Health System’s Office of System Integration Director.
The ICT uses interventions that include cognitive assessments to evaluate a justice-involved patient’s EFD condition, which often remains undiagnosed, and determining more effective strategies to address their impairments. Patients with EFD and justice-involvement often require more support and intensive case management, resulting in improved compliance with mandated appearances and reduction of warrants and incarceration rates.
ICT patient in-reach, often within custody or hospital settings, initiates the crucial process of trust-building and rapport establishment. Utilizing a patient-centered approach, weekly case conferences are held to build an individualized transition plan to help stabilize and support the patient’s reintegration into the community.
Before patients can “graduate” from the ICT program, the team identifies and establishes connections for patients with primary care homes and case management programs that ensure the continuity of their care. An extended warm handoff model, designed to guide both the patient and their care team through this transitional phase, is implemented.
From August 2022 to August 2023, the pilot phase of the program included 20 ICT patients with successful outreach and engagement and 35 patients are in active outreach and monitoring efforts. Additional accomplishments for ICT patients include formal housing assessments resulting in new housing and/or housing stabilization, access to substance use treatment programs, and to medication-assisted therapy for substance use disorders.
After six months of ICT program support, preliminary data shows an 85% reduction of high-cost hospital utilization with a potential cost avoidance of $1.52 million.

County Fights the Opioid Crisis with a Cutting-edge Approach

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — As the county grapples with growing numbers of deaths from overdoses of fentanyl and other opioids, the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) is deploying a comprehensive series of initiatives to prevent overdose deaths in local communities.
A pivotal piece of this prevention approach is the County’s strategy to distribute naloxone – the life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses – through vending machines. The County embarked on this project in fall 2022 with the goal of making naloxone available, at no cost, immediately to anyone in local communities. Leading the effort is the Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project, known as SCCOOPP. In the first year of the project, SCCOOPP partnered with county organizations to install five vending machines at the two County jails, Juvenile Hall, Santa Clara University, and Mission College. SCCOOPP has begun working closely with more area colleges to place vending machines and plans to install more machines at local community centers, health centers, clinics, and non-profit organizations.
To bolster access, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare has also begun providing free naloxone through nine of its Valley Health Center Primary Care Clinics located throughout Santa Clara County. In addition, BHSD offers free naloxone kits at three of its Addiction Medicine clinics. This expanded access will add to the 25,000 naloxone kits the County has distributed since 2017.
Mira Parwiz, BHSD’s Division Director of Medication Assisted Treatment Services, said of the efforts to improve access, “We’ve chosen to use a bold tactic to confront the opioid crisis in our county. This is a challenging effort, but addressing this crisis requires innovative thinking and immediate action. Giving our communities free access to naloxone can save lives.”
Another component of the County strategy is a new media campaign designed to raise awareness about fentanyl and other opioids. The campaign targets two primary audiences: youth and young adults and parents and guardians. Ads focused on youth prompt viewers to “save a life” by visiting www.FentFacts.org, a webpage with more facts on fentanyl, resources, and information on where to get naloxone. Developed in partnership with the national non-profit, Song for Charlie, PSAs for parents and guardians encourage them to talk to their kids about opioids and visit www.TheNewDrugTalk.org to learn what they can say to engage and what they can do to protect them.
Both English and Spanish ads are reaching audiences through various media platforms online, on public displays including billboards and buses, and on TV. The campaign’s first phase launched on November 20 and will be on-air until the end of the year, with additional phases going live in 2024. “Getting this information out through so many different media channels meets the public where they are,” said BHSD Director Sherri Terao. “The campaign is part of a social marketing strategy to motivate the community to learn and to act.”
To accompany the comprehensive response to the ongoing opioid crisis, the County offers training on overdose response and naloxone use. The County has trained thousands of community members from schools, law enforcement agencies, community centers, health care clinics, County agencies, and other organizations. Trainings are free and open to the public; all who attend receive a free naloxone kit. The County encourages everyone in the community to take action by getting trained and carrying naloxone. More information about training and the life-saving medication can be found at https://bhsd.sccgov.org/information-resources/opioid-overdose-prevention-project/rescue-and-training.
More about the impacts of fentanyl on Santa Clara County, and how to help, is available at www.FentFacts.org. Help with preparing and talking to your kids and loved ones about opioids can be found at www.TheNewDrugTalk.org.
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the U.S. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.
Visit the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department at https://www.bhsd.sccgov.org/

Graphic of different names for opioid drugs

County Makes Strides in Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Efforts to raise awareness, prevent, and address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) show promising progress on the heels of FASDs Awareness Month

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — With September nationally recognized as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Awareness Month, the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) is sharing the County’s work to confront FASDs and Executive Functioning Disorders more broadly, and pledging to build upon these efforts in coming years.

As of October 2023, BHSD has made progress in all objectives it laid out in an ambitious three-year workplan to prevent and address FASDs. The ongoing efforts have brought visibility to an issue deserving of attention and were acknowledged in an official proclamation recognizing September as FASDs Awareness Month from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on September 19. Brought forward by Supervisor Cindy Chavez, the proclamation stated that “FASDs Awareness Month will help generate public awareness about the risks and consequences of alcohol use during pregnancy and inspire community-wide efforts aimed at preventing FASDs.”

Supervisor Chavez noted, “This proclamation is a powerful statement that puts a spotlight on this issue that has gone largely unrecognized. Santa Clara County is at the forefront of the movement to tackle FASDs. We are leading by example with our work to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, helping to improve the lives of those affected by FASDs in our county. We have demonstrated commitment to the cause through concerted efforts to better understand these disorders. We will continue to do the work for the individuals, caregivers, and families who are affected by FASDs.”

BHSD has supported public awareness efforts around FASDs since 2021, when its NotEven1 media campaign was launched to improve knowledge and awareness about FASDs. The first three campaign phases generated nearly 49,000,000 digital impressions and were aired online, on local TV, and on local buses. The newest campaign phase launched on Monday, September 25, and will run through October. With this campaign, the County has set out to reach expecting mothers, mothers breastfeeding, those planning to get pregnant, as well as partners and potential caregivers. English, Spanish, and Vietnamese ads inform those groups that there is no safe amount or type of alcohol to drink during pregnancy and encourage them to visit the County’s campaign resource page www.NotEven1.org.

“To address FASDs we have to educate our communities,” said BHSD Access and Unplanned Services Director, Bruce Copley. “Our public awareness campaigns aim to get the information to those mothers and prospective mothers and families so that they can take steps to prevent FASDs. This issue is not widely discussed so it’s key that we alert the public about FASDs and let them know that FASDs are preventable.”

In addition, in recent months, BHSD and partner County agencies initiated a comprehensive training program on FASDs and prenatal substance exposure for service providers throughout Santa Clara County. The trainings aim to increase understanding among providers about FASDs and encourage agencies to increase screenings for prenatal substance exposure among the individuals they serve. To-date trainings have been delivered to staff working in behavioral health, Social Services, obstetrics-gynecology, and public health nursing. Additional trainings are planned for providers working in custody and education in September and October, with additional follow-up trainings under development.

The County has also taken a critical step in improving the diagnosis of FASDs, by defining the diagnostic criteria based on thorough review of the available evidence. On September 28 the County held a roundtable of medical and behavioral health care providers and experts from around the county, led by Dr. Ira Chasnoff, a nationally-recognized researcher in the field of child development and the effects of maternal alcohol and drug use on the newborn infant, child, and adolescent. The roundtable provided a foundation by establishing a standard for FASDs diagnosis for the county, leading to better detection and treatment supports for individuals who have FASDs.

ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the U.S. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.

Visit the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department at https://www.bhsd.sccgov.org/

County of Santa Clara Celebrates One Year with 988 during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September commemorates the successful first year of the new suicide prevention lifeline and highlights opportunities to promote suicide prevention and reduce stigma

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — In recognition of September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) is noting the success of their 988-suicide prevention lifeline and an expansion of services for people in crisis and is encouraging partners and community members to get involved in other suicide prevention activities.

As an integral part of its efforts, BHSD continues to promote use of 988 and the innovative crisis services available to county residents when they call the three-digit lifeline. In its first year the line answered 20,980 calls.

According to recent Mental Health Services Act survey data, the lifeline has become a visible and accessible resource in Santa Clara County. The survey showed that residents identified 988 as a vital asset among BHSD services.

To further bolster crisis services, BHSD recently launched text messaging through 988, available in English and Spanish.

Behavioral Health Services Department Director Sherri Terao stated, “Expanding 988 to include text messaging increases access to these life-saving services. Some folks may feel more comfortable seeking support through a text instead of a call. Now there are even fewer barriers to finding help in a moment of crisis. It’s a huge development and one we want to share with the community during this special month.”

Supervisor Otto Lee stated, “The data shows that we have successfully implemented 988, and the results demonstrate our commitment to providing our residents the help they need when they need it most. We are excited to provide this crucial resource and make 988 operations and improvement a priority.”

The County’s pioneering in-person crisis services, available through 988, continue to meet community needs. The programs – Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), Mobile Response Stabilization Services (MRSS), Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST), and In-Home Outreach Team (IHOT) – provide effective, compassionate crisis intervention, and reduce hospitalizations and unnecessary incarceration. Each program is grounded in cultural humility, with staff representing the diverse cultural and language backgrounds found in Santa Clara County communities. In the first year of 988, the lifeline’s crisis counselors referred 3488 callers to the County’s community mobile response programs.

Supervisor Susan Ellenberg stated, “We aim to offer comprehensive mental health service options to assist residents in the manner they want and need to receive that assistance. We are constantly iterating to ensure continuous improvement of the system – and most of those iterations arise from community members’ input and guidance. Santa Clara County is leading the state on meaningful crisis response services. Our multi-pronged approach to providing crisis support will ensure that the 988 tool will grow more and more effective for individuals, families, and children in Santa Clara County.”

September is widely recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The recognition aims to raise suicide awareness, promote prevention efforts, and reduce stigma. Throughout the month, BHSD’s Suicide Prevention Program and local and national organizations will share events, opportunities, and resources to promote suicide prevention efforts. BHSD and the Suicide Prevention Program encourage everyone to get involved in commemorating the month, with some ideas featured below. Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide:

• Find out more about the County’s efforts: County Suicide Prevention Program
• Take a community helper training: Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Promote the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: SAMHSA
• Share the powerful California state suicide prevention campaign: Know the Signs
• Learn about suicide's impacts on different groups and engage your community: NAMI
• Elevate the conversation around suicide and encourage safe messaging: Action Alliance
• Get involved with National Suicide Prevention Week: AFSP
• Spread the word on social media: CDC

ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the U.S. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.

Visit the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department at https://www.bhsd.sccgov.org/

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Opens State-of-the-Art Primary Care Facility for the Tuberculosis Clinic and Refugee Health Assessment Program

Santa Clara County, Calif. – Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH), the hospital system for the County of Santa Clara, hosted a ribbon cutting for its new, state-of-the-art Valley Health Center (VHC) Lundy primary care clinic. VHC Lundy will be the new home for the Tuberculosis Clinic & Refugee Health Assessment Program. The new facility comes at a critical time as Santa Clara County faces the third highest case rate for tuberculosis (TB) among California jurisdictions, while also welcoming the highest numbers of refugees in the state, according to County health officials. VHC Lundy is located at 1996 Lundy Avenue in East San José.

The only such clinic and program of its kind in the county, VHC Lundy provides expert evaluation and treatment of active TB disease and preventive therapy for latent TB infections (LTBI). The new clinic also delivers comprehensive health assessments and medical treatment specifically designed for refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, special immigrant visa holders and victims of human trafficking who seek treatment in the county.

VHC Lundy is a cutting-edge airborne isolation facility designed to prevent transmission of TB and other airborne diseases and will provide a safe and welcoming care environment for staff and patients in need of services and support.

“While the clinic will serve as a huge asset to the entire county, I want to express my profound gratitude for the decision to open this in an area that is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the county,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee. “Moreover, it is of utmost importance that the clinic upholds our principles of language, cultural humility and competence, reflecting the values that we hold dear in Santa Clara County.”

“The assessment program housed at the new site will now have its own space, a place that provides care and counseling for County families; folks who are often using the program as their first entry point into our healthcare system,” added County Supervisor Joe Simitian, Chair of the County Health and Hospital Committee. “We’re really working to provide a warm environment, a safe space, to help these families navigate our healthcare system.”

Federal law requires new refugee arrivals to be screened for communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis, parasitic infections and tuberculosis, as well as chronic health conditions. In addition to the screenings, the Refugee Health Assessment Program also provides the following:

• Primary care services;
• Referrals to specialty care services and urgent care as needed;
• Required immigration vaccinations; and
• Mental health assessments and referrals to counseling and mental health services for adult patients through a partnership with the Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)/Center for Survivors of Torture (CST).

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease, so without early screening, it could lead to delayed treatment and undiagnosed people spreading the disease unknowingly to the broader community,” said Dr. Phuong H. Nguyen, SCVH Chief Medical Officer. “Completing our screening and LTBI treatment is critical to preventing transmissions and protects the health of the entire community.”

The new clinic is the only outpatient setting specializing in TB in the county, providing care to more than 60 percent of all active cases locally. The existing clinic treats up to 100 patients each day, on average. More than 50 percent of the clinic staff are certified interpreters in a second language, and many were also refugees themselves.

“We’ll now have a state-of-the-art facility that makes it easier for us to provide more consistent support and follow-up with our new patients, many of whom represent some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Sonia Menzies, Director of Ambulatory Community Health Services for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.

The County has implemented an expanded LTBI testing as part of the standard patient Health Maintenance Plan in all VHC primary care clinic locations. This enables Primary Care Providers to identify and refer patients with LTBI for preventative treatment. Since August 2022, testing rates have more than doubled and referrals to the TB clinic have increased three times its usual monthly volume.

LTBI Services are now available in the following locations: VHC Downtown, VHC Gilroy, VHC San Jose, VHC Milpitas, and Vietnamese American Services Center (VASC) Clinic.

County’s New Adult Residential Treatment Center is Next Step in Bolstering Mental Health Services

A former detox facility adjacent to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center campus has been transformed into a residential treatment center for people with serious mental illnesses, the latest step in the County of Santa Clara’s efforts to increase the level of care offered for those with behavioral health needs.

Fentanyl Deaths Spike in Santa Clara County

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths for 2023 in Santa Clara County more than doubled at the end of May, with 41 deaths compared to 17 recorded deaths at the end of April 2023. According to the County of Santa Clara Medical Examiner-Coroner, Dr. Michelle Jorden, “most fentanyl drug deaths in the county involve fentanyl combined with other drugs, including methamphetamine.” County officials continue to warn of fentanyl-laced pills circulating in the community.

All Cities in Santa Clara County Now Have Suicide Prevention Policies

Every city in Santa Clara County has now formally adopted a city suicide prevention policy.

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Signs Climate Pledge Initiative

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is taking a significant step in the battle against climate change by signing the federal health sector Climate Pledge initiative to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint at all its hospitals and clinics and become net-zero by 2050.

St. Louise Regional Hospital Intensive Care Unit Recognized for Excellence

Santa Clara County, Calif. May 23, 2023 - On May 21, St. Louise Regional Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) received the prestigious Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

State-of-the-Art Mental Health Center to Bring Critical Services Closer to Home

February 22, 2023 – Community members, healthcare leaders, County supervisors and staff on Wednesday celebrated the groundbreaking of a first-of-its-kind facility in the South Bay: a state-of-the-art Behavioral Health Center that will offer mental health services close to home for children, adolescents and adults.

New, Rapid CT Scanners at O’Connor Hospital Are a ‘Game Changer’ for Patient Experience

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – O’Connor Hospital in San Jose has installed two new Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. The new equipment has outstanding speed, power reserves, and sensitivity.

South County Public Safety and Emergency Agencies Get Thanks from St. Louise Regional Hospital on National First Responders Day

Santa Clara County, CA – Representatives from St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy are heading to 15 law enforcement, fire and EMS facilities in south Santa Clara County this morning bearing gifts: fruit baskets, snack packages and a “thank you for all you do” to honor their care colleagues on National First Responders Day.

New Primary Care Clinic Planned for North Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County, CA. October 13, 2022 A newly planned Valley Health Center for the Palo Alto-Mountain View area will bring a full range of primary care services to North Santa Clara County. The services provided are part of the County of Santa Clara Health System’s health care delivery system, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.

MedAssist Program Expands to Cover All Medications for Diabetes Care

Santa Clara County— To help combat high prescription drug costs, all medications to treat diabetes are being added to the County’s MedAssist Program. People suffering from chronic diseases have a particularly difficult time, not only because of their health condition, but because of the rising cost of their medications.

Physical Rehabilitation Services Nation’s Best

Santa Clara County, CA – July 26, 2022. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has been recognized as a 2022-2023 Best Hospital for rehabilitation services by U.S. News & World Report. These highly regarded clinical services are part of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Recognized for high-quality stroke care

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA— All three County of Santa Clara public hospitals have received American Heart Association quality achievement awards. These awards recognize the hospitals commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized and research-based guidelines. The quality care they provide ultimately leads to more lives saved and reduced disability.

American Heart Association | American Stroke Association - Life is why

Medi-Cal Health Coverage Now Available to Adults 50+

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.— All adults in California over the age of 50, regardless of immigration status, may now qualify for Medi-Cal, the State’s version of the federal Medicaid program that provides free or low-cost health coverage.

Californians over 50 may qualify for Medi-Cal benefits!

Date	Category	Title Sort descending
04/04/2024	News Release	‘Just Drive’: County of Santa Clara Launches Education and Enforcement Campaign for Distracted Driving Awareness Month
09/14/2020	News Release	“Be Sensitive, Be Brave,” A New Culturally Sensitive Suicide Prevention Program, Now Underway in Santa Clara County
04/08/2020	Story	A medically sound decision: Santa Clara County made right call in acquiring troubled hospitals
06/06/2020	News Release	Advanced Robotics at O’Connor Regional Hospital
05/31/2023	News Release	All Cities in Santa Clara County Now Have Suicide Prevention Policies
03/27/2020	Story	Bay Area hospitals face the challenge of a lifetime
03/22/2020	Story	Cash, Safety Supplies Sought for Frontline Medical Workers
04/19/2022	News Release	Children’s Advocacy Center of Santa Clara County Celebrates Year Anniversary: A National Model for Serving Young Victims of Abuse
06/14/2018	Story	Clendaniel: My brother's suicide prompts this plea to you
11/30/2023	News Release	County Fights the Opioid Crisis with a Cutting-edge Approach

Quick Links

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Behavioral Health Services Public Health Department Santa Clara Valley Medical Center O'Connor Hospital St. Louise Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services

#JustDrive

‘Just Drive’: County of Santa Clara Launches Education and Enforcement Campaign for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Awards event set for May 1, 2024

County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board Recognizes Local Heroes

New Clinic in South County

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Opens VHC Morgan Hill

Clinic Expands to Serve More People

Valley Homeless Healthcare Program’s HomeFirst Shelter Expansion More Than Doubles Capacity

Once at Risk of Closing Down

Two Local Hospitals Now Thriving as Part of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare

In-reach Program Wins Quality Leader Award

County of Santa Clara Health System Awarded for Helping Cognitively Impaired Avoid Cycle of Incarceration

New initiatives to prevent overdose deaths in local communities

County Fights the Opioid Crisis with a Cutting-edge Approach

Promising progress on the heels of FASD Awareness Month:

County Makes Strides in Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Progress in preventing suicide and providing crisis services

County of Santa Clara Celebrates One Year with 988 during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

New home for TB, Refugee Clinics

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Opens State-of-the-Art Primary Care Facility for the Tuberculosis Clinic and Refugee Health Assessment Program

Expanding access to care

County’s New Adult Residential Treatment Center is Next Step in Bolstering Mental Health Services

County officials warn of fentanyl-laced pills circulating in the community

Fentanyl Deaths Spike in Santa Clara County

Landmark in prevention policy

All Cities in Santa Clara County Now Have Suicide Prevention Policies

Healthier planet, healthier people

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Signs Climate Pledge Initiative

Compassionate, quality care

St. Louise Regional Hospital Intensive Care Unit Recognized for Excellence

Sanctuary for healing:

State-of-the-Art Mental Health Center to Bring Critical Services Closer to Home

New, Rapid CT Scanners at O’Connor Hospital Are a ‘Game Changer’ for Patient Experience

South County Public Safety and Emergency Agencies Get Thanks from St. Louise Regional Hospital on National First Responders Day

News Release

New Primary Care Clinic Planned for North Santa Clara County

News Release

MedAssist Program Expands to Cover All Medications for Diabetes Care

News Release

Physical Rehabilitation Services Nation’s Best

News Release

Recognized for high-quality stroke care

News Release

Medi-Cal Health Coverage Now Available to Adults 50+

Quick Links

Santa Clara Valley HealthcareBehavioral Health ServicesPublic Health DepartmentSanta Clara Valley Medical CenterO'Connor HospitalSt. Louise Regional HospitalEmergency Medical Services

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Behavioral Health Services Public Health Department Santa Clara Valley Medical Center O'Connor Hospital St. Louise Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services