COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Department

 

DATE:

October 20, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 8, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

   

FROM:

Raja Mitry, Chair, Mental Health Board

 

Charlene Silva, Director of Health

 

Gale Bataille, Director, Mental Health Services

   

SUBJECT:

Mental Health Board Annual Report to Board of Supervisors

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the Mental Health Board Annual Report for FY 2004-05

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All.

Goal 8: Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at risk youth, and others- achieve a better quality of life.

 

This report contributes to this commitment and goal by providing information about the activities and priorities of the Mental Health Board.

 

BACKGROUND:

The Mental Health Board (MHB) is mandated by the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5604, to ensure citizen and professional involvement in planning processes regarding the mental health system of care and to advise the Board of Supervisors and the local Mental Health Director regarding County mental health needs, services, special problems and outcomes of mental health services. The MHB is also required to submit an Annual Report to the Board of Supervisors.

 

DISCUSSION:

The FY 2004-05 MHB Annual Report presents an overview of the MHB’s membership, agendas and program presentations, activities and accomplishments, as well as priorities for FY 2005-06.

 

The MHB consists of 18 members: 15 members appointed pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5604; 2 Youth Commissioners; and a Board of Supervisors member. Supervisor Rich Gordon continues to serve as the Board of Supervisors representative to the MHB. Realignment legislation of 1991-92 established a requirement that at least 50% of the appointed members be consumers or parents/family members of consumers, who are or have been recipients of public mental health services. The MHB should reflect the County’s diverse population.

 

The MHB addressed priorities identified for 2004-05, including continued advocacy for adequate funding and resources to serve San Mateo County residents with serious mental illness/emotional disturbance. MHB members have provided leadership in the development of a three-year plan to improve and expand services under the provisions of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA.) The MHB has monitored program performance and participated in program development including: participation in staff hiring; participation in agency provider selection including a new consumer-operated peer-support/self-help service program and child abuse/neglect treatment services for children/youth aged and their caregivers; and participation on the Evidence Based Practices Steering Committee and the Mental Health/Law Enforcement Collaborative.

 

MHB priorities for FY 2005-06 include: active participation in the 3-year plan for community services and support and other phases of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) as the requirements are released from the State; pursuing a strong community outreach plan including rotating Mental Health Board meetings to different regions of the County; site visits to providers and programs serving consumers of all ages; continuing to build an ethnically strong Board by advocating and promoting the involvement of diverse members; and honoring community volunteers and promoting awareness of client wellness and recovery through the annual May is Mental Health Month “Tony Hoffman Community Service Awards” and the annual “Consumer Hall of Fame.”

 

The MHB appreciates the long-term leadership and commitment of the San Mateo Board of Supervisors in sustaining vital mental health services. The MHB will continue to support this commitment by advocating for effective comprehensive services and supports for our most vulnerable and disabled residents.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

Regular functions of the Mental Health Board are budgeted at a maximum of $15,000 which is included in the approved FY 2005-06 budget. Funding is provided 100% by sales tax provided through Realignment. Expanded activities and functions of the MHB related to the MHSA are funded through the MHSA three-year plan, which will be presented to your Board in November 2005. There is no net County cost.