At its Tuesday, May 12 meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a set of ordinance changes recommended by Sacramento County Regional Parks designed to better protect park users, park and recreation facilities and natural areas from the growing impacts of Class 3 e-bikes, e-motorcycles, dirtbikes, quads and unauthorized trail building. These ordinance changes go into effect thirty days from today, and violations of these ordinances can be either an infraction or a misdemeanor.

The use of un-permitted, high-speed, modified e-bikes and e-motorcycles has become increasingly common. These vehicles are inherently dangerous to the public due to their speed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission completed a report on Mircomobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries and Hazard Patterns, which found that injuries with all micromobility devices have trended upward since 2017, with an average increase of 23% annually. Children 14 years and younger accounted for 36% of these injuries, and May through October had the largest percentages for both e-scooter and e-bike related injuries.

The updated ordinances clarify and strengthen protections for environmentally sensitive areas that have recently seen increased damage. Regional Parks facilities, primarily in the Nature Study Areas and Protected Areas of the American River Parkway, have recently experienced a dramatic increase in vandalism and destruction when members of the public create unauthorized off-road bicycle courses, including jumps and tracks with blind turns. These tracks are dangerous to members of the public because they are located on trails which are designated for pedestrian and equestrian use only. The creation of these off-road bicycle courses in these areas, coupled with the use of illegal Class 3 e-bikes and e-motorcycles pose a significant danger to people lawfully using the trails either by foot or on horse.

Additionally, the ordinance updates provide Regional Parks staff with clearer authority to address unauthorized trail construction and other ground-disturbing activities and includes the ability to seek restitution for the cost of restoration of the damaged area.

The newly adopted ordinances also address activities related to individuals entering and remaining on County golf courses and sports complexes for purposes other than playing golf or the intended purpose of the sports complex. These restrictions are intended to improve safety for patrons and protect the condition of turf and other facilities that are not designed to accommodate bike traffic.

“The ordinance updates will allow Rangers to better educate visitors about appropriate park use and, where necessary, enforce park rules that help preserve the quality of parklands for all residents,” said Regional Parks Director, Liz Bellas. “The changes reflect our long-term goals to balance recreation with stewardship of natural and community resources.”

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors’ action today ensures that Regional Parks has the tools needed to protect park users, natural areas, golf and sports fields and maintain safe, high-quality recreation experiences across the county’s park system.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post SacCounty Board of Supervisors Adopts Ordinance Updates to Protect Parks and Recreation Facilities first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

During the month of May, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance is participating in CalFresh Awareness Month, launching a weekly video series to help residents better understand available food resources and how to access them.

Throughout the month, new videos will be shared weekly, offering helpful information about CalFresh and the many ways it supports individuals and families across the region.

Food plays a vital role in daily life, bringing comfort, stability and connection. CalFresh helps make that possible by providing monthly food benefits to eligible households. Known federally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh helps Californians purchase the groceries they need to stay healthy and nourished.

Between 2024 and 2025, approximately 5.5 million Californians received CalFresh benefits. Locally, about 270,000 residents in Sacramento County rely on the program to help feed themselves and their families.

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase a wide range of everyday grocery items, including fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, and dairy and meat products. Benefits may also be used to buy seeds and plants for growing food at home, which can make a meaningful difference, especially as grocery costs continue to rise.

Applying for CalFresh in Sacramento County is designed to be simple and accessible. Residents can apply online, by phone, mail, fax or in person. The Department of Human Assistance also offers phone support for those who need assistance or have questions about the application process.

For individuals or families struggling to afford groceries, CalFresh may be able to help. Access to support often begins with information, and sometimes, taking the first step can make a lasting impact.

This CalFresh Awareness Month, Sacramento County encourages residents to learn more, explore their options and share this information with others who may benefit.

To learn more or apply, visit BenefitsCal.com or call the Department of Human Assistance at 1-800-560-0976.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post CalFresh Awareness for Sacramento County Residents first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

This May offers a moment to reflect and celebrate the strength, hope and resilience that is alive and well in our Sacramento community. Whether you are undergoing major changes in your personal life or experiencing the lasting impact of mass tragedies in our world, we are all constantly facing different stressors on our mental wellbeing. It’s critical that we continue to prioritize mental and physical wellbeing for ourselves, as well as our families, friends and neighbors, not just in May but all year long. 

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to reach out to loved ones and provide support to colleagues, friends and family who may be struggling in silence – but also a reminder to care for ourselves. By simply starting a conversation and providing words of encouragement, kindness and help, you can make the difference for someone at work, at home, in your community – or even for yourself. 

For over a decade, Sacramento County’s Division of Behavioral Health’s MHSA-funded “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project has been focused on reducing stigma, raising mental health awareness and inspiring hope within our community through the Stop Stigma Sacramento campaign. Each year, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the project invites community members throughout Sacramento County to participate in a variety of in-person and virtual events, share personal stories and support those living with mental health conditions. While it is wonderful to see mental health being acknowledged and discussed more throughout our community, we know there is still work to be done. 

Here are a few ways to support people living with mental illness during Mental Health Awareness Month, and always: 

• Try these conversation starters – available in 5 additional languages – and lead meaningful discussions with family, friends or neighbors.  
• Attend an upcoming project event:
  • Join the project on May 24 for Mental Health Matters Day on the Capitol Lawn! Learn more about the project, hear from Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau members, write on the Walls of Hope and more!
  • Visit the project’s mental health art exhibits around Sacramento County or check out our website to view all art virtually. The art has all been created by Sacramento County residents in an effort to help dispel myths and stereotypes and promote messages of wellness, hope and recovery. 
• Check out the Stop Stigma blogto read more community perspectives from throughout Sacramento County, including prominent faith leaders, health professionals and community leaders.
• Request a Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau member to speak at your next meeting or event! Complete this request form and submit it to: info@stopstigmasacramento.org. 
• Follow “Stop Stigma Sacramento” on Facebook and @StopStigmaSac on Twitter and StopStigmaSac on Instagram. 
• Join the mailing list via the project website to stay updated!

Together, we can significantly reduce the impacts of stigma surrounding mental illness within our community. For more information, visit the project website or contact info@stopstigmasacramento.org.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post May Is Mental Health Awareness Month first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

It’s National Heatstroke Prevention Day and Sacramento County Public Health is reminding parents and caregivers of young children to Look Before You Lock and walk away from a vehicle. Look Before You Lock is meant to remind residents about the dangers of vehicular heatstroke in children.

“It’s important for people to remember that vehicular heatstroke is 100% preventable but people must first be cognizant of how seriously dangerous it is to leave children in the car when temperatures outside are extremely hot,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr.

Kasirye. “I urge people to never leave children alone in cars and take the steps to prevent children from accessing cars.”

How to prevent vehicular heatstroke:

• Make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you get out of the car. Put something in the back seat that you won’t forget as a reminder — a purse, phone, wallet, etc.
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Always lock the car and put the keys out of reach.
• Teach your children that the vehicle is not a playground. Another main cause of vehicular heatstroke is when children gain access to an unlocked vehicle and are unable to get out.
• Call 9-1-1 if you see a child in a hot vehicle that appears to be in distress or is unresponsive.

Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the United States. On average, 37 children in the U.S. die each year as a result of vehicular heatstroke. Children gaining access to a vehicle and becoming trapped account for nearly one-quarter of hot car deaths.

Hot cars are deadly. Internal vehicle temperatures can quickly rise to 50 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. A child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s meaning even a cool feeling day may still pose a threat to a child. Toddlers and young children are also more likely to climb into a hot car and become trapped inside.

The warning signs of heatstroke include red, hot and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a rapid or weak pulse, nausea in addition to confusion or acting strangely.

This message is brought to County residents in partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post Look Before You Lock: May 1 is National Heatstroke Prevention Day first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Today, April 29, marks National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a reminder that awareness can save lives and lead people to support. Through continued community education, prevention efforts and support services, Sacramento County saw a 30% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths in 2025. This progress shows that change is possible when communities come together with compassion, knowledge and action.

“Increased awareness, partnerships and collaboration are contributing to the decline in overdose deaths,” said Lori Miller, Division Manager with Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (SUPT). “We need to keep working together as a community because we all can make a difference.”

Sacramento County continues to work with the community and invest in prevention, treatment, healing and public education efforts to support residents and families. These efforts include:

• Safer Sacramento, which provides educational videos to guide individuals to make healthy choices and to avoid or reduce the potential harm from the use or misuse of substances. The Safer Sacramento website is filled with facts and resources to help address the fentanyl crisis and link people to behavioral health care.
• “The Ripple Effect,” a Safer Sacramento blog series that integrates fact-based research, speaks to the fentanyl crisis from various lenses and perspectives, and highlights the great work of Sacramento County and community partners.
• Sacramento County’s annual Fentanyl Awareness and Action Summit brings the community together for a day of education and empowerment, where attendees can learn more about opioids, methamphetamine and emerging substances, explore available resources and treatment options, and find ways to be part of the solution. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center.
• The Sacramento County Opioid Coalition focuses on saving lives through overdose prevention, safe disposal, early intervention, treatment, recovery support and ongoing community outreach. Those interested in joining or learning more can visit the coalition’s website.
• Gone Too Soon Project, which helps bring healing to the community through digital storytelling, public awareness campaigns and memorial posters displayed throughout the county. If you have lost a loved one to an overdose, you are invited to share their story by contacting info@sacopioidcoalition.org.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, support is available. Call 916-875-1055 or visit the SUPT website for more information.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post National Fentanyl Awareness Day: Resources, Support and Hope first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Behavioral Health Services-Screening and Coordination (BHS-SAC)​

Submit an online Mental Health Service Request or call the Behavioral Health Services-Screening And Coordination (BHS-SAC) Team to request an over-the-phone brief screening and linkage to an appropriate mental health service provider. This includes Mental Health Medi-Cal Service Providers and Prevention & Early Intervention and Mental Health Respite Service Providers.

24/7 for Mental Health Crisis Calls
(916) 875-1055 or toll free (888) 881-4881 

Community Support Te​am brochure

Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (MHUCC)

Provides services on a walk-in basis to individuals of all ages who are experiencing a mental health and/or co-occurring substance abuse crisis. 

2130 Stockton Boulevard, Building 300, Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 520-2460

Monday – Friday
8:00am – Midnight 
(Last walk-in at 10:00pm)

Saturday/Sunday & Holidays
8:00am-8:00pm
(Last walk-in at 6:00pm)

If you or a loved one have an immediate mental health and/or co-occurring substance abuse need and are contemplating using an emergency room, the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic is a resource with a team of peers, clinicians, and medical staff who can assist in a calm and supportive environment. 

Supporting Comm​unity Connections (SCC) Programs

Supporting Community Connections (SCC) programs provide community defined, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate suicide prevention support and programs. Due to the high rate of isolation, suicide, and untreated mental health conditions, Sacramento County BHS selected the following populations/communities for Supporting Community Connections.

• ​Older Adults 
• ​Youth/Transition Age Youth (TAY) (focusing on foster youth / former foster youth, LGBTQ and unhoused youth populations)
• American Indian/Alaska Native/ Indigenous communities 
• African American communities 
• Spanish-speaking / Latino communities 
• Mien-speaking / Iu Mien communities 
• Cantonese-speaking communities
• Vietnamese-speaking communities
• Hmong-speaking communities
• Russian-speaking / Slavic communities 
• Consumer-Operated Warmline 
• Arabic-speaking communities
• Farsi-speaking communities
• Afghan communities

Any resident of Sacramento County (regardless of Medi-CAL eligibility) can access these services directly by contacting the SCC program. For a full list of programs and their contact information, please see the linked flyer​. 

​​​Community Wellness Response Team (CWRT)​

​Call or Text 988

CWRT responds to calls from 988 24/7/365 for individuals who may benefit from in-person crisis intervention, assessment of needs and risks, and safety planning. CWRT identifies and leverages individual strengths and natural supports; coordinates with existing Mental Health Plan (MHP) and Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (SUPT) providers as appropriate; provides voluntary transportation to urgent/emergent resources; and linkage to ongoing services.

CWRT Web​page​

Mental Illness: It’s Not Always What You Think:

Stop Stigma Sacramento​

Mental Health Plan Members’ Handbook

Mental Health Plan Members’ Handbook, a guide to Medi-Cal Mental Health Services.​ ​

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post How Can You Get Mental Health Services in Sacramento? first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Sacramento County’s Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) plays an important role in supporting families and promoting the well-being of children across the community. Through a range of services, DCSS helps parents establish and maintain reliable financial support for their children, creating greater stability for families.

“Our goal is to support families in a way that creates stability for children and helps parents navigate the process with confidence,” said DCSS Director Dalen Fredrickson.

What DCSS Does

DCSS provides free services to families, including:

• Establishing child support orders
• Locating parents
• Collecting and distributing payments
• Modifying orders when circumstances change
• Helping ensure accurate tracking of support

These services are available to both parents receiving and paying support, with a focus on fairness, consistency and child well-being.

Child Support Officers like Nikole Smith work closely with families to make the process as clear and manageable as possible, so they can focus on what matters most—their children. “I am a mother. I’ve had times where I’ve cried on the phone with the individual as they’re crying because I can relate to their circumstance. I approach each situation with being empathetic and meeting people where they’re at. And I would want someone to treat me the same way,” said Smith.

Local Impact

The impact of child support services in Sacramento County is significant. In 2025, DCSS collected $134,436,544, a 4% increase from the previous year. “Every dollar collected represents real support for families, helping cover everyday needs like food, clothing and housing,” said Fredrickson.

On a monthly basis, the department distributes more than $11 million in child support payments, providing consistent financial support that many families rely on.

Child support is widely recognized as an important tool in improving outcomes for children and families. Research shows that consistent support is associated with:

• Greater financial stability
• Increased parental involvement
• Improved educational outcomes
• Reduced family stress

A Focus on Access and Support

DCSS is committed to making services accessible and easy to navigate. Participation in child support services is voluntary, and staff work closely with families to provide guidance, answer questions and connect them with available resources.

We understand every family’s situation is different, and we’re here to provide support in a way that is respectful, safe, and responsive to their needs. “We want you to feel safe through the process and know that your information is confidential,” said Nikole Smith.

The department also prioritizes safety and confidentiality, with protections in place for families experiencing sensitive situations, including family violence.

Looking Ahead

As conversations continue at the state level about ways to improve access to child support services, Sacramento County remains focused on its mission: helping children and families thrive.

Residents interested in learning more about child support services or enrolling can visit the county website or contact DCSS directly for assistance at 1-866-901-3212.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post Child Support Helps Local Families Thrive first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Dozens of blue pinwheels are planted outside Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) offices this month —each one representing hope, awareness and a shared commitment to protecting children.

On April 14, Sacramento County DCFAS staff, partners and community members came together for the annual pinwheel planting in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event is part of a national effort to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect and to promote the well-being of children and families. The pinwheels will remain on display throughout April as a visual reminder of the community’s role in keeping children safe. The 2026 National Child Abuse Prevention Month theme is “Pinwheels of Possibility,” focusing on creating a future where every child grows up safe, healthy and supported. 

Sacramento County’s DCFAS has a longstanding commitment to making sure children in our community grow up safe and feel supported when they do come into contact with Child Protective Services.

“During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded that the safety and well-being of children is a shared responsibility. We call on all residents to play a role in prevention—because every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued,” said Melissa Lloyd, Deputy Director, Child Protective Services, Sacramento County. “Whether it’s strengthening families, checking in on a neighbor or speaking up when something isn’t right, each of us can make a difference. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community where every child can thrive,”

You can show support by planting blue pinwheels in your own yard. You can also raise awareness for child abuse prevention by learning to recognize potential signs of abuse and neglect.

Here are some simple but meaningful ways you can ensure children in your life are safe, healthy and supported:

• Be a friend to a parent you know and offer support when needed
• Be a positive presence in a child’s life—show interest in their well-being and activities
• Talk with neighbors about looking out for one another and the children in your community
• Donate items to families in need to help reduce financial stress
• Volunteer your time with programs that support children and families

To report suspected child abuse in Sacramento County, call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 916-875-5437. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

To learn more about Sacramento County CPS, visit their website.

To learn more about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit the Prevent Child Abuse America website. 

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post Child Abuse Prevention Month: Creating a Better Future for Every Child first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

During a recent celebratory site tour, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma recently recognized Sacramento County for expanding support for youth and families experiencing behavioral health crises, highlighting a major step forward in how families can access care when they need it most.

Sacramento County applied for and was awarded $2.95 million through the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) Investment in Mental Health Wellness Grant Program for Children and Youth to open a Family Respite Center providing short-term support for youth and families in crisis.

The Family Respite Center is estimated to respond to more than 5,000 crisis situations annually, serving approximately 80 families per month. The Family Respite Center will fill a critical gap in Sacramento County’s youth behavioral health system, offering a safe, supportive space where families can de-escalate during times of stress and prevent situations from escalating to emergency department visits or more intensive interventions.

The Family Respite Center is also expected to provide:

• Short-term respite services, typically lasting one to two hours to help stabilize stressful situations
• Access to trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive staff
• Access to calming activities such as art, music, games and quiet spaces
• Mental health, substance use disorder and safety screenings, with referrals and linkages to appropriate community services
• Safety planning in a supportive environment
• Support for parents and caregivers, including connections to mental health services, employment resources and substance use treatment programs
• Coaching, counseling and mediation between family members when appropriate to support family stability following respite services

Through its partnership with HeartLand Child and Family Services, the Family Respite Center will also serve as a hub connecting families to a broader network of care, including flexible, community-based mental health services, housing support and wraparound programs. This approach ensures families receive not only immediate support, but ongoing services tailored to their needs.

The center will operate during extended hours throughout the week, with additional details to be shared as the center becomes fully operational.

The Family Respite Center is anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer. To learn more about projects happening within Sacramento County’s Behavioral Health Services Continuum of Care, visit our website.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post Sacramento County Recognized for Expanding Youth Behavioral Health Support first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) joins communities across the country in celebrating National Public Health Week April 6–12, 2026. Public health shapes daily life. From the water we drink to the systems and infrastructure designed to keep communities safe, it helps people live longer, healthier lives.

This year’s theme “Ready. Set. Action!” calls on individuals and communities to take small, daily steps toward better health. Join the Keep It Moving Challenge which runs through April 12 and invites people to stay active in ways that work best for them.

Small actions can lead to meaningful health benefits. Walking after meals, spending time outdoors and building movement into daily routines can help prevent chronic disease, improve mental health and enhance overall quality of life. Regular physical activity also strengthens the immune system, supports healthy aging and promotes long-term independence.

SCPH staff are set to host internal staff walks this week to model healthy behaviors in their own workplaces.

SCPH continues to advance efforts that improve community well-being and address key health priorities, including chronic disease prevention, mental health and access to care. Through a wide range of programs and services, SCPH works to build a healthier, more resilient Sacramento County that all people can thrive in.

National Public Health Week stands as an important opportunity to acknowledge the profound contributions of public health professionals who work diligently each day to safeguard the well-being of our communities. On behalf of Sacramento County, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated staff of SCPH.

During this National Public Health Week, we take this opportunity to formally recognize and honor their contributions. Their service is deeply valued and their impact on the community will be felt for generations to come.

SCPH offers more than 65 programs that support community health. The following programs highlight the impact of public health across the region:

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

SCPH  has the overall responsibility of protecting the public’s health in an emergency. In order to protect your health, SCPH has developed comprehensive emergency response plans in coordination with local, state and federal agencies, as well as private health care providers and the American Red Cross.

Sexual Health Promotion Unit

The Sexual Health Promotion Unit expands access to sexual health care by providing education, testing and treatment. The team delivers client-centered, nonjudgmental services grounded in health equity.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

This program works to prevent lead exposure in children by raising awareness, promoting early testing and reducing long-term health risks.

Immunization Assistance Program

The Immunization Assistance Program connects residents to vaccines and provides education to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect the community.

For more information on public health programs and services, visit the Sacramento County Public Health website.

National Public Health Week reminds us that everyone plays a role in building healthier communities. SCPH encourages residents to take action by adding movement to their daily routines and exploring available resources to support their health.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post Sacramento County Public Health Celebrates National Public Health Week 2026 first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.