Your HEALTHmatters

During Pride Month, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community’s rich history and resilience, and highlight events, programs, and resources in the Bay Area. 

We also want to help HPSM’s providers and staff better serve our members in the LGBTQIA+ community. Working together, we strive to improve our members’ health care experiences, increase utilization of preventive health services, build trust and partnership with members, and reduce disparities among different member populations.  

Throughout June we will focus on enhancing our LGBTQIA+ members’ healthcare experiences by:

• Encouraging people to use their HPSM benefits and get preventive care.
• Promoting events and resources available to the community in San Mateo County. 

Pride Month Events 

HPSM proudly partners with San Mateo County Health’s Office of Diversity and Equity and the San Mateo County Pride Center to provide resources and events for our LGBTQIA+ community. The following events will take place throughout June: 

• San Mateo County Pride Celebration: On Saturday, June 8th San Mateo County hosts its 12th Annual Pride Celebration! This year’s event will be at San Mateo Central Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment, a DJ, resource and vendor booths, family friendly activities, and more.
• San Mateo County PRIDE Initiative monthly meetings: The Office of Diversity and Equity has virtual monthly meetings every second Wednesday for members, providers and community leaders monthly to discuss resources and address concerns. 
• Transcending Through Art: The Pride Center’s Expressive Arts Therapy Group invites transgender, nonbinary, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, gender creative and questioning teens to take an eight-week journey of self-discovery and community building. It provides a safe and welcoming space where creativity becomes a powerful tool for exploring identity, fostering self-expression and building a supportive community.
• San Francisco Pride events: SF Pride is hosting several events in June, including their annual celebration on the 29th and parade on the 30th. This year’s theme is Beacon of Love. As always, these events feature exciting entertainment as well as volunteer and vendor opportunities. People with disabilities can RSVP for the accessible parade and main stage viewing areas.

HPSM programs and materials

HPSM programs help members manage their health. For example, HPSM members have access to our Baby + Me Program and Diabetes Prevention Program, as well as community resources for food assistance, smoking cessation, and more. To learn more, call HPSM’s Health Education Unit at 650-616-2165, see our health tips or talk with your primary care provider (PCP). 

HPSM materials are available on our website, including:

• HPSM's Guide to Food Assistance Programs, which organizes all the County's nutrition support resources in searchable categories.
• Diabetes Health Tips, which has evidence-based information to help people manage their diabetes and stay healthy.  
• Mental Health Tips, which explain how to recharge, get therapy and develop a more positive mindset. 
• Quit Tobacco Use Health Tips, which offers guidance and resources to help those who smoke, vape or chew break the habit.