In May and June, El Camino Health celebrated positive change and increased awareness, with May recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and June designated LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Mental health care means much more than treating mental illness — although diagnosing and treating specific illnesses and conditions is critical. Many of our Community Benefit partners assess and support mental health and wellness in the diverse populations they serve — including our LGBTQ+ community members, who may be at an increased risk for situational and personal stressors that can lead to mental health issues. In fact, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide, according to 2019 research.
As part of our commitment to better serving all our patients, El Camino Health provides evidence-based training for staff members to enable them to provide culturally competent, compassionate care for potentially vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ patients and those who speak English as a second language.
Celebrating our differences is a step we can all take to support each other, and getting outside for a bit of healthy fun is good for just about everyone. Silicon Valley Pride’s annual LGBQT+ parade on Sunday, August 25, provides just such a chance — and El Camino Health team members will be on hand to celebrate and inform. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Julian Street and Market Street in downtown San Jose.
Ensuring access to mental and behavioral health care for everyone is a high priority for El Camino Health and our partners, as indicated in our FY24 Implementation Strategy Report and Community Benefit Plan. Building a healthier community and higher quality of life for all Bay area residents takes a team approach and shared commitment — and our Community Benefit program and partners are setting a shining example. Thank you for helping us better serve you and our community.
Find out more about El Camino Health's funding and support through the Community Benefit Program.
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