COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Department

DATE:

October 16, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 7, 2006

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 2005-06

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.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2005-06
Actual

FY 2006-07
Projected

Minimum percentage of Mental Health Board members who are consumers or the parents, spouses, siblings, or adult children of consumers (State criteria).

50%

50%

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 2005-06 MHB Annual Report presents an overview of the MHB’s membership, agendas and program presentations, activities and accomplishments, as well as priorities for FY 2006-07.

The MHB consists of 18 members: 15 members appointed pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5604; two Youth Commissioners; and a Board of Supervisors member. Supervisor Richard 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. In addition the MHB should reflect the County’s diverse population.

During FY 2005-06 the MHB addressed priorities identified for that year, including continued advocacy for effective services and adequate resources to serve San Mateo County residents with serious mental illness/emotional disturbance. MHB members provided leadership in the development of a three-year plan under the provisions of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and participated in activities related to the plan’s implementation, including provider selection and hiring new employees. The MHB increased its community outreach, holding general meetings in East Palo Alto, Daly City and Half Moon Bay as well as participating in several community fairs.

MHB priorities for FY 2006-07 include: continued leadership in MHSA planning and monitoring of new initiatives including participation in a three-year workforce development plan, membership on the Steering Committee for Co-occurring Mental Health/Substance Use Disorders, continued active community outreach and engagement through holding meetings in underserved communities, site visits to providers and programs serving consumers of all ages, and continuing to build an ethnically strong Board by advocating and promoting the involvement of diverse members. The MHB will also continue to honor community volunteers and promote 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 FY 2006-07 Adopted Budget. This cost is paid through Realignment revenues. There is no Net County Cost.