COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health System

DATE:

January 21, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 3, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Judith Schutzman, Chair, Mental Health Board

Jean S. Fraser, Chief, Health System

Louise Rogers, Director, Behavioral Health & Recovery Services

SUBJECT:

Mental Health Board Annual Report to Board of Supervisors

RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the Mental Health Board Annual Report for FY 2007-08

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.

The Mental Health Board (MHB) contributes to this commitment and goal by advising the Board of Supervisors and the Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) regarding County mental health needs, services, special problems and outcomes of mental health services. This Annual Report provides information about the MHB’s priorities and activities.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2007-08 Actual

FY 2008-09 Projected

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

50%

50%

BACKGROUND:

The 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 2007-08 MHB Annual Report presents an overview of the MHB’s membership, agendas and program presentations, activities and accomplishments, as well as priorities for FY 2008-09.

The MHB consists of 18 members: 15 members appointed pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5604; two Youth Commissioners; and a member of your Board. Supervisor Richard Gordon continues to serve as the Board of Supervisors’ representative to the MHB.

During FY 2007-08 the MHB addressed priorities that included continued community outreach by holding MHB meetings at the Youth Services Center and in South San Francisco; participation in a variety of mental health and community meetings and events, including meetings of the Daly City community collaborative and the One East Palo Alto Mental Health Committee; provision of leadership in implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Services and Supports plan; site visits to County programs and community based providers; presentation of Consumer Hall of Fame awards in November 2007; sponsorship of the annual Tony Hoffman Community Service Awards; and attendance at various mental health-focused conferences.

MHB priorities for FY 2008-09 include: assessing needs and priorities of individuals with mental illness and their families with a particular focus on unserved and underserved populations; conducting community outreach through holding MHB meetings in local communities; participating in the planning and implementation of additional components of the Mental Health Services Act including Prevention/Early Intervention; instituting Family Member Recognition Awards; and continuing to build a strong and effective MHB through new member orientation, mentoring, and team building. In addition, the MHB will support and monitor the organizational transition of BHRS to insure that there is a continuing commitment to effective services for youth, adults and older adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems.

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 support for our most vulnerable and disabled residents.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Regular functions of the MHB are budgeted at a maximum of $15,000, which is included in the BHRS FY 2008-09 Adopted Budget. These costs are 100% funded by realignment. There is no Net County Cost.