The District is committed to addressing the unprecedented youth mental health needs facing young people.

Our investments in programs, services, and projects aim to:

• Improve the system of care for youth and young adults
• Remove barriers to accessing mental health services and supports
• Improve early identification of mental health diagnosis
• Reduce stigma surrounding mental health
• Ensure youth/young adult voice are at the forefront of program development, implementation and ongoing program delivery

Below are examples of programs and District investments that address youth mental health needs in the community:

Teen Mental Health Project – Partnership with San Mateo Union High School District and Stanford Center for Youth and Mental Health and Well-being

The Peninsula Health Care District Board of Directors partnered with San Mateo Union High School District and Stanford’s Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Center from 2016-2019 to develop and launch a school-based teen mental health model that:

1. Identified problems early
2. Got students needed help promptly
3. Improved coordination between school providers and parents

The District committed $1.5 million to this project, which served seven high schools and 8,500 students. PHCD funding supported three new Health and Wellness Coordinator positions responsible for developing and implementing a multi-tiered system of wellness and mental health supports, training for staff, developing wellness activities and interventions, and collecting pertinent data.

Approved Metrics and Progress Reports

We are very proud to report that since the end of the pilot project period, the school district has continued to fund this program. Learn more about the Mental Health Program at San Mateo Union High School District.

Gardner Center Study

Peninsula Health Care District Board of Directors has partnered with the John W. Gardner Center at Stanford to conduct a year-long study examining 5th-12th grade data to evaluate and identify opportunities for mental health services and communications to improve student transitions from elementary through middle to high school. The study brief was presented to the PHCD Board of Directors at its January 23rd, Board Meeting. The final report and executive summary can be found below. The next step is to integrate the findings into the next phase of our investment strategies. The Board will be holding a study session in the coming months.

Peninsula Health Care District Youth Advisory Group

Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) has launched a Youth Advisory Group to help develop District initiatives that are relevant and effective for youth and young adults. The Youth Advisory Group will ensure youth voice is at the forefront of Peninsula Health Care District’s initiatives relating to youth and young adults.

Responsibilities of Youth Advisors

• Provide input on young people’s mental health needs
• Brainstorm ideas on how PHCD programs can best serve young people
• Inform the development of a new allcovecenter and related programs in PHCD
• Participate in community education activities such as health fairs and community presentations.

As its first community project, the PHCD Youth Advisory Group embarked on a community survey to ensure youth voice and perspective is at the forefront of the District’s exploration of allcove– an integrated youth mental health center for 12-25 year old’s. Our Youth Leaders presented the survey results and findings at the February 27, 2020 Board meeting.