Throwback Thursday: Wanna Go for a Walk?

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A walk down memory lane, that is. Today’s throwback picture features a Department of Animal Services employee shaking hands with his four-legged friend. Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson estimates this sweet snapshot was taken around 1965. The department changed its name from Animal Regulation to Animal Control in 1975.

Share your old County department photos by emailing communications@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Summer Slam Coming to You

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This year, the Summer Slam Salad Cook-off has a fresh idea for more employees to participate—it’s going regional.

Participating is both easy and healthy. First, organize a salad-making competition at your location. Then let send the name of your location winner to Saila.Keo@sdcounty.ca.gov by June 3. Final contestants for the County-wide competition will be selected from the regional finalists and announced June 6.

Visit Employee Wellness on InSite for more details.

Get Rolling in County’s Tour de San Diego Bike Program

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Participating in Employee Wellness’ next personal fitness challenge is as easy as riding a bike.

For the “Tour de San Diego” bike program, simply pedal in your neighborhood, on local trails or at the gym and log your miles.

The Tour runs through July 20 and is also open to those using non-motorized wheelchairs. Register in LMS by searching “Bike Program.” Log sheets must be submitted by July 26 to DHRWellness.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov.

A good way to kick off the campaign is to ride in National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20.

For more information on the Bike Program including levels and prizes, visit Employee Wellness on InSite. Employees requiring accommodation should email DHRWellness.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov

Also, don’t forget safety. Here are 5 tips to stay safe while biking.

Share Your Prom Pics with Us

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Unless you’ve got kids in grades 9-12, you probably didn’t know it was prom season. Alas, the sparkly gowns and outrageous proposals are here and it makes us wonder – do you have any photos from the vault of your own end-of-high school dance?

Whether you wore a powder blue tux with ruffled shirt or a chiffon dress with big puffy sleeves—we want to see your prom style. Send your best prom pic to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov. Be sure to include your name, title and department in the body of the email.

Perk Alert: Save at the Movies

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Summer is coming, which means action-packed blockbusters at the theaters. So stock up on discounted movie tickets now.

County employees can receive between 30 percent and 35 percent off ticket prices through PerkSpot at AMC, Cinemark and Regal theaters, which include Regal Cinemas, Edward Theaters and United Artists Theaters.

PerkSpot offers benefits and discounts to County employees through hundreds of service providers and retailers from movie theaters to florists and jewelers. Using PerkSpot is both easy and free! Simply go to SDCounty.PerkSpot.com and shop. If you are new, click on “Create an Account” to complete the registration process.

Each month, one of the most popular PerkSpot deals will be highlighted on InSite.  

Raise Awareness of Mental Illness

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Whether or not you realize it, you play an important role in helping those experiencing a mental health challenge.

Mental illness affects one in five adults in any given year. It could be a loved one, a friend or a co-worker.

The County is sponsoring a Mental Health Awareness Week, May 9 through 13, 2016, as part of May is Mental Health Month. Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer kicked off this important event in her InTouch column.

The goal is to help people feel comfortable having open conversations about mental health challenges and to encourage people to seek help.

“The fear of being rejected and the stigma associated with mental health disorders keep some adults from getting the help they need for themselves or their children,” said Alfredo Aguirre, director of the County’s Behavioral Health Services for the Health and Human Services Agency. “Each of us has a role in creating an environment that supports recovery and encourages social inclusion. We all play a role in reducing the stigma and the resulting discrimination toward those living with a mental illness.”

So what can you do to get involved and show your support?

  1. Create awareness by wearing your lime green ribbon. Over 17,000 ribbons will be distributed to County staff in support of the week.

  2. Learn more about how mental health stigma affects most of us and what you can do to help change the perception of those struggling with a mental illness.

  3. Take the daily mental health challenges below starting May 9. It’s a great way to get involved every day, and you can share your support on social media for a chance to win fun prizes. (For more details, click on the link for each day.)

Monday: Wear the lime green ribbon handed out by your department to show your support. Lime green is the national color for mental health awareness.

Tuesday: Don’t miss out on your chance to add your name to the Lime Green Ribbon wall. There are many locations across the County. Snap a photo at the ribbon wall or take a selfie with your ribbon. Then share your photos with the hashtag #EachMindMattersSD on your social media outlet throughout the week to win prizes!

Wednesday: It’s Wellness Wednesday! Make time to take a deep breath, help someone out, make a healthy choice, or exercise. 

Thursday: Make a social connection, volunteer or try something new today.

Friday: Get inspired and watch at least one 60-second PSA developed for youth by youth

Saturday and Sunday: Wear your lime green ribbon all weekend and talk to your family and friends about why Each Mind Matters to you.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help, call the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. Non-crisis resources for staff are also available through the County’s Employee Assistance Program at (888) 777-6665 or www.anthemeap.com.