COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

February 25, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 19, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Gale Bataille, Director of Mental Health Services

SUBJECT:

Donation to the Senior Peer Counseling Program from Kitty Bell

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to accept Kitty Bell's donation to the Senior Peer Counseling Program

Background

The senior Peer Counseling Program began in San Mateo County in 1987. Currently there are 32 peer counselors and a new training class will begin on March 11th. Seven individuals have signed up for the class. Kitty Bell, the donor, has been a peer counselor since 1992. The program currently serves some 60 seniors in the county who are seen individually and in groups. The peer counselors work with clients around issues related to loneliness, depression, anxiety, family and caregiver problems, relationship issues, and coping with illness. LA ESPERANZA VIVE provides services in Spanish for the Latino community.

Discussion

Mental Health Services received a donation of $5,000 from Kitty Bell for the Senior Peer Counseling Program on February 19, 2002.

Vision Alignment

This donation to the Senior Peer Counseling Program supports the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at risk youth, and others- achieve a better quality of life. The donation contributes to this commitment by providing transitional and recovery assistance for vulnerable clients who are persistently and seriously mentally ill and require intensive treatment and assistance with behavioral health and recovery.

Fiscal Impact

The donation in the amount of $5,000 will be added to the Mental Health FY2001-02 budget to be used for the Senior Peer Counseling Program. There is no net County cost.