Your HEALTHmatters

"Healthy is for everyone" means striving for equitable access to high-quality health care services for every person in San Mateo County. The reality is that systemic injustices persist, and health care experiences are not equal for all. HPSM is committed to working towards improvements in this system through our health equity approach. We empower San Mateo County’s residents to live their healthiest lives by building awareness and strong community partnerships.

In July, we celebrated Disability Pride Month. This year, HPSM attended the 4th Annual Inclusion Festival in Redwood City. We enjoyed spending time out in the community at this wonderful event! We were able to share information about HPSM’s programs and services that can support people with disabilities, which include:

• Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) centers that provide daily care to older adults and persons with disabilities in the form of meal support, social activities, nursing care, and physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
• In-Home Support Services (IHSS) that provide services to older adults and persons with disabilities who have functional limitations and are currently living in their own home. Services include help with prepping meals, bathing, dressing, laundry and protective supervision.
• Care Management through HPSM that provides case management and the purchase of services to support older adults and members with disabilities living in the community with the goal of avoiding institutionalization.
• CalAIM Community Supports that cover non-medical help to address life’s challenges. These include home safety improvements, medically tailored meals and help transferring from a care facility to independent living.
• Plus many other support programs that you can learn about here.

From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. HPSM’s member population is predominantly Hispanic, with over 50% of our population identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. The theme for 2023 was “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” This focus highlighted Hispanics’ important contributions to the economic, political and social growth of the United States.

In October, we celebrated Filipino American History Month. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris – an agreement that ended the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. HPSM celebrated Filipino Americans’ impact on United States history and shared health tips to help our Filipino-identifying members stay healthy.