title
Approve the appointment of Iqra Ahmad as a Member at Large and Denise Coleman as the shared Mental Health Advisory Board Representative, to the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board for terms expiring on August 24, 2023
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors the appointment of Iqra Ahmad as a Member at Large and Denise Coleman as the shared Mental Health Advisory Board Representative, to the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board for terms expiring on August 24, 2023.
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
The Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board (ADAB) is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines that represent a cross-section of Solano County. The ADAB ensures that community needs are met with regard to substance abuse related issues through prevention, early intervention, treatment and ongoing recovery. The ADAB reviews, evaluates, and participates in planning processes, advises the Board of Supervisors, and encourages public understanding of alcohol and drug issues, thereby assuring the most effective use of prevention and treatment funds. The ADAB bylaws call for nine members. Terms are for a 3 year period.
Iqra Ahmad graduated from UC Davis and is currently in her doctorate program at Touro University. Her long-term goals are focused on specializing in addiction medicine and helping individuals with co-occuring conditions involving substance abuse and mental health illnesses. She is interested in quality of care issues such as improving access to evidence-based care for underserved populations. Her current research is focused on treatment and prevention services for addiction and evaluation of the effectiveness of drug treatment programs.
Denise Coleman has been a member of the Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) since her appointment on July 25, 2017. She recently renewed her seat on the ADAB and volunteered to fill the vacancy which calls for a shared member on the ADAB and MHAB. Ms. Coleman brings the perspective and experience of a mental health services consumer. She is especially passionate about increasing mental health awareness among the law enforcement community. Ms. Coleman serves as a community volunteer and peer support specialist to be both a voice and an ear for those receiving, or in need of receiving, mental health services in Solano County. She currently works with the full service partnership team, working with many clients who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder needs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
These appointments have no fiscal impact on the County General Fund. The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2020/21 Preliminary Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose to not approve these two applicants. This is not recommended because the appointment will help the ADAB to be in compliance with its membership requirements as stated in the bylaws.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION