KernBHRS to Provide Free Admission to CSUB Men’s Soccer Game
BAKERSFIELD – Kern County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (KernBHRS) will be providing free admission to the public as part of the Kickin’ It With Mental Health event at the California State University, Bakersfield men’s soccer game against Fresno Pacific University on Sunday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m.
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“We couldn’t be more excited to provide this opportunity to Kern County,” said Behavioral Health Director Stacy Kuwahara. “This is a new and unique way for us to engage an audience that may not typically hear our message and see our vision. There is so much to be excited about at Cal State, in the behavioral health community, and in Bakersfield. We are looking forward to this continued partnership. Come kick it with us!”
As part of the annual outreach campaign for Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, KernBHRS will look to provide an opportunity for the public to come together, support the community, and spread awareness about suicide prevention and substance use recovery. To reserve your free tickets, go to www.gorunners.com/kickin-it.
“We are so proud this year to partner with CSUB to host Kickin’ It with Mental Health,” said Mental Health Services Act Coordinator, Dr. Christina Rajlal. “Sports and being active is such a great coping skill especially if you’re struggling. Exercise causes your brain to release chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood and well-being. It is a great stress reliver and can also help you build a positive community of support through teamwork. We know that athletes also experience a lot of pressure and are not immune to mental health symptoms, and we would like to promote awareness here for all of our athletes in our community.”
The first 300 fans in attendance will receive spirit bags and more giveaways are available while supplies last. Throughout the evening, there will be messages about Suicide Prevention and Recovery, and information about the services and programs provided by KernBHRS.
KernBHRS to Celebrate Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month
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BAKERSFIELD – Friday is September 1 and with that the start of Suicide Prevention Awareness and Recovery Month. Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) will be hosting and supporting a number of outreach events and activities across Kern County with the goal of educating the public about suicide prevention and substance use recovery and informing the community of the services available.
Continuing the ‘Grounded in Health’ Partnership with the Kern County Public Health Department, KernBHRS will take the lead on September’s theme, “Preventative Care”.
Below are some of the featured events and activities planned.
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Friday, September 1 - The Kern County Administrative Building Uplighting – The County Administrative Building will be lit up with teal and purple lights throughout September to raise awareness for suicide prevention and recovery. Be sure to drive by after dusk!
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Sunday, September 10 – Kickin’ It with Mental Health – KernBHRS will sponsor FREE admission to the public for the Cal State Bakersfield men’s soccer match against Fresno Pacific at 7:00 p.m. Go to www.gorunners.com/kickin-it to reserve your FREE tickets. There will also be free giveaways for the first 300 fans in attendance.
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Sunday, September 17 – Fiestas Patrias – An afternoon of Mariachi Music, folkloric dancers and resources at Mercado Latino to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
To find a complete list of events and activities for Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, visit www.KernBHRS.org/community.
For media requests, contact KernBHRS Public Information Office Lou Groce at 661-203-6395 or email at lgroce@KernBHRS.org.
About KernBHRS
Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) serves as the “Mental Health Plan” for Kern County and is contracted by the State to be the managed care entity for Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Kern. The department manages all Medi-Cal specialty mental health and substance use Medi-Cal services. Additionally, the Mental Health Services Act (MSHA) funds for the remainder of preventative care and non-traditional services that aren’t funded through Medi-Cal, including the outreach activities throughout the month of September. Through its staff and network of providers, KernBHRS provides needed behavioral health and substance use disorder services to children and adults countywide.
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About Suicide Prevention Month
September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. According to the CDC, each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-24 and these rates are increasing.
About Recovery Month
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
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Kern County Public Health and Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services invite you to join our Grounded in Health initiative as we embark on a yearlong effort to help Kern County residents improve their physical and mental health as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Together we will promote and help Kern County make 2023 the year to get your physical and mental health back on track.
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