Health begins where people live, learn, work, and play (as known as social determinants of health). Get Healthy San Mateo County (GHSMC) is a product of the Healthy Communities Initiative launched in 2004. During the last 20 years we have made great progress in preventing diseases and ensuring that all San Mateo County (SMC) residents have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives. Despite progress made, health inequities persist with lower-income residents and people of color experiencing higher rates of infection and disproportionate health, social, and economic burdens. However, many chronic health issues and inequities in health outcomes can be prevented by building healthy, equitable communities with a focus on place-based upstream prevention, early intervention, and health equity.

GHSMC supports policy, practice, systems changes, and community planning to prevent diseases and ensure everyone has equitable opportunities to live a long and healthy life. The focus of this funding is to improve the health of SMC residents by building healthy and equitable communities where “all residents, regardless of income, race/ethnicity, age, ability, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender have the opportunity to reach their full potential” – the GHSMC vision. 

San Mateo County Health values community input and community identified priorities; therefore, GHSMC has prioritized funding that aligns with the San Mateo County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The 2024-2026 plan has identified the following priority focus areas which will be the priorities of this Request for Proposals (RFP):

• Access to Health Care Services - Increase the proportion of SMC community members who can easily access quality health care services that meet their holistic needs, especially individuals and communities who are experiencing barriers caused by structural inequities including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, classicism, ageism, and homophobia. 
• Social Determinants of Health - Improve coordination among organizations providing essential services across sectors to all individuals and communities in San Mateo County, especially those currently experiencing disparities.
• Mental Health - Develop a county-wide and cohesive approach to improve mental well-being with a focus on decreasing disparities, especially among individuals and communities who are experiencing barriers caused by structural inequities including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, classism, ageism, and homophobia.

Up to $100,000 annually is available per contractor for a two-year term (July 2025 - June 2027).

Vision for Equity in San Mateo County

All San Mateo County residents must experience just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. The County of San Mateo recognizes historical and current structural policies and practices that continue to harm people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with disabilities.