California Department of State Hospitals

DSH-Napa held its 6th annual Mental Health Awareness 5K or 10K Run/Walk event for employees to raise awareness about mental illness and help break the stigma. Here’s a look at the fun!

Happy Birthday, Captain Ravioli and Abuelita! 🎉🎂 DSH-Metropolitan patients and employees recently came together to celebrate the hospital’s beloved pet therapy silkie chickens. This special occasion was an opportunity to recognize the joy, comfort and positivity the chickens bring to the facility.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May, DSH-Patton opened the doors of its museum for walkthroughs and mental health resources. The Patton State Hospital Museum opened in 2015 and highlights the hospital’s long history through artifacts dating back to 1893.

The CARE Committee at DSH-Metropolitan hosted a Walk and Connect event to encourage connection and open conversations about wellness and maintaining a positive environment at the facility.

DSH-Atascadero recently hosted its annual Career Fair, attracting nearly 150 job seekers -- the largest post-pandemic turnout for a career fair hosted by the hospital. In attendance were Subject Matter Experts representing every department at the hospital. A computer lab was available for job seekers to create a CalCareers account, complete their state application, take an exam, and apply for openings. Attendees also participated in mock interviews. Fast-track hiring was offered for multiple classifications, including Staff Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Rehabilitation Therapist, Registered Dietitian and Psychiatric Technician. Visit https://calcareers.ca.gov to search for current openings with DSH!

Congratulations to the patients of DSH-Napa who participated in the hospital’s second annual Patient Mental Health Awareness Walk/Run! 🎉 Employees lined the route to support, encourage, and spread joy as the patients made their way to the finish line.

DSH is proud to recognize our nursing employees for the care, empathy, and professionalism they demonstrate daily when serving our patients. Here’s a look at how DSH-Metropolitan honored and celebrated its nursing staff during Nurses Week in May.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so of course we asked DSH team members to share how their pets have positively impacted their mental health and well-being. Diane M., an Analyst II at DSH-Coalinga, told us:

“Baby, my daughter's cat, greets me at the door when I get home. She goes and tells her Grampie that her Gammie is home and to unlock the door. Such a good kitty!”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so of course we asked DSH team members to share how their pets have positively impacted their mental health and well-being. Denise N., a Rehabilitation Therapist at DSH-Metropolitan, told us:

“I rescued Lady, my 4-year-old German Shepherd, at 10 months old. She has been a faithful walking partner for me to stay consistent with exercising regularly. She always brings a smile to my face when I come home or play with her. She is also a registered therapy dog and comes to work with me to visit patients and staff. She enjoys giving and receiving hugs and brings a smile to all who visit her.”

DSH-Metropolitan hosted an event to promote wellness, self-care and the destigmatization of mental health conditions. The event also reinforced the hospital's continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of patients and employees. – Happy Mental Health Awareness Month from DSH!