Executive Director's September's Message
While the rest of the Bay Area starts to cool down, September is often the warmest month of the year in San Francisco. However, "warm" in San Francisco means that perfect temperature where you can walk around in T-shirts and shorts without feeling like you need to pick your dog off the ground, so their paws don’t burn on the pavement.
It’s also the perfect weather for celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15 every year. Our city is filled with reminders of the incredible contributions of the Latin and Hispanic people. From the food on your table to the beautiful murals around the Mission District and the art, dances, clothing, traditions, cultures, and Latin cuisine, our city has benefited tremendously from the contributions of the Hispanic people.
Summer plans can consume your free time to a point where there are some friends and loved ones you simply haven’t heard from in a while. September is a great time to reconnect and see how they are doing because September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The #BeThe1To campaign has some great tips on how you can help someone who may be feeling helpless find hope. After a challenging pandemic has tested all of our mental health, it’s good to carve out time for friends who may be more withdrawn.
I enjoy inviting a friend for a walk around the new Presidio Tunnel Tops Park or Crane Cove Park. You can start with a Mission-style burrito, take a nice long walk along the waterfront, and cap it off with a guava and cream cheese empanada or paleta of your choice. It doesn’t get much better than great food, great company, and great views at these two new scenic parks.
Be well,
Abbie Yant, RN, MA
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September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Help spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide:
- ASK – If you think someone you know may be feeling suicidal, have the courage to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- CARE – Let them know you care and will help them access the help they need to stay safe. Help them make a call for help if needed.
- FOLLOW-UP – Check in to let them know you care.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org or call (800) 273-8255.
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Reach out for Help – As soon as you think you might need help from a medical or counseling professional, make the call.
SFHSS EAP Counselors are available for free and confidential counseling and consultation for active employees Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Guidance Consultants are available for referrals after business hours 24/7. Call: (628) 652-4600.
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Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
September is Childhood Obesity Month. Taking small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight. This month and beyond, we encourage your family to make healthy changes together:
- Get active outside: Physically active youth have stronger muscles and bones. Help your children move more by making it a family affair.
- Limit screen time: Keep screen time to 2 hours or less a day.
- Make healthy meals: Help your children get the nutrients they need by making half their plate fruits and vegetables and replacing sugary drinks, such as soda, fruit drinks, and flavored milk with water.
- Set Consistent Sleep Routines: Good sleep helps prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, injuries, and problems with attention and behavior.
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Are You Pregnant or Planning to Have a Baby?
Blue Shield of California has teamed up with Mahmee to provide additional maternal care that's personalized to you -- from conception, through pregnancy, and all the way to your baby's first birthday. With Mahmee, you can get in-person care and unlimited access to virtual care from a team of certified doulas, nurse navigators, lactation consultants, mental health coaches, nutrition coaches, and care coordinators. All at no extra cost to you. Sign up today as spots are limited.
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Open Enrollment is Coming Next Month!
Open Enrollment only happens once per year and it's your chance to make changes to your benefits without a Qualifying Life Event. This year, Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2024 will take place from October 2 - 27, 2023. Look for your letter in the mail and join one of our on-site health fairs, flu clinics, webinars, or sign-up for a consultation with our health plan experts.
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Visit the Newly Redesigned sfhss.org
Did you know you can get most of your eligibility questions answered on sfhss.org? We've redesigned our homepage to help you find answers more easily.
If you want to confirm your enrollment has been processed, please visit the Employee Portal and select My Benefits from the left-hand navigation bar to view your current enrollment. Please note: It may take up to 30-days for the system to reflect your new enrollment request.
If you still prefer to call and cannot get through, please leave just one (1) voicemail as multiple voicemails will delay a response back to you.
If you need to submit supporting documents to SFHSS such as Medicare enrollment, birth certificate(s), marriage certificate, or domestic partner certificate or declaration, you can fax a copy to (628) 652-4701.
Our drop-box is accessible Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm.
Please do not send us original documents as they will not be returned to you.
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Working While Black Healing Circle
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
In September we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and histories of the Latinx community.
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Additional Well-Being Resources:
Well-Being Activities (Virtual)
Personal Development
(Webinars)
Health and Wellness
(Articles & Podcasts)
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