mental health

Brandon Hill comes into court to learn he has been declared incompetent to stand trial. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Hollister man shot by police committed to state mental hospital

Judge Patrick Palacios ruled Brandon Hill was mentally incompetent to stand trial.

kids reading in the library June 30, 2022. Photo by Juliana Luna.

Government / Politics

San Benito County awarded three grants totaling $49.4 million

The funds will be used for library expansion, bridge repairs and mental health services in schools.

2021-22 Foreman Roxy Montana held a public meeting for the civil grand jury on Feb. 12, 2022. Photo by Katie Moorer.

News

San Benito County Civil Grand Jury releases the 2021-2022 report

An extreme need for increased staffing and services is seen in most areas of the report.

The Behavioral Health’s crisis line, which operates outside of business hours, received 1,772 calls in the 2021-22 fiscal year. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Health

988 suicide and emotional crisis hotline starts July 16

Agency hopes the three-digit lifeline will make it easier for anyone in crisis to get help.

Hollister Police Department. BenitoLink photo.

News Release

Hollister Police releases surveillance video from 2016 arrest

All charges were dropped in 2021.

News Release

Behavioral Health to increase services

Behavioral Health is prepared to offer increased services in our community.

Image from video released by Hollister Police Department of an officer involved shooting on Dec. 8.

News

Hollister police officer completes training to avoid conflicts involving the mentally ill

Officer Staci Esqueda will work with the Behavioral Health Department on 911 calls.

Hollister Police Officer Esqueda and Behavioral Health Management Services Manager Nancy Abellera. Photo courtesy of HPD.

News Release

HPD partners with San Benito Behavioral Health with the S.A.F.E. Program

Program aims to provide emergency and continued assistance to community members suffering with mental illness and substance abuse matters.

Bernie Ramirez turned 19 years of age in Vietnam. On that same day he witnessed one of his best friends killed in an explosion. He lost two friends on the same day. He received a medal for valor in action along the Demilitarized Zone and began suffering from PTSD 10 years after being discharged. Photo courtesy of Bernie Ramirez.

Features

Fireworks can trigger nightmares of combat

Hundreds of thousands of veterans who have PTSD suffer every Fourth of July as fireworks bring back the fear.

Contributed Articles

Behavioral Health promotes Mental Health Awareness Month

Behavioral Health Department announces the events planned for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Samantha Rivas and Deborah Armstrong at the San Benito High School Wellness Center. Photo courtesy of Samantha Rivas.

Education / Schools

Wellness center reaches out to teens during pandemic

San Benito High School aims to end the stigma of depression and anxiety.

R.O. Hardin Elementary School. Photo by Patty Lopez Day.

Education / Schools

HSD Board hears report on student mental health

Director of Student Services Kip Ward highlights hiring of social worker.

San Benito County Office of Education. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

Health

SBC Office of Education collaborates with Behavioral Health Department for mental health services

Through grants and other specialized funding, schools have worked to provide additional counselors, social workers and mental health therapists to address growing need.

Chamberlain's kids making a recipe by California Giant. Photo provided by Chamberlain's Youth Services.

Nonprofits

California Giant launches ‘Spreading Smiles’

Chamberlain's Youth Services featured in campaign.

Previous Chamberlain’s resident Alimah with her son Khaine and husband Vincent on a recent visit. Photo provided by Chamberlain's.

Nonprofits

Chamberlain’s Youth Services staff reunites with former resident

At 21 years old, Alimah is currently trekking her way through school and doing a good job managing the challenges life throws us all.

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