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Approve the appointments of Anthony E. McDonald and Jules Darian “J.D.” Hatchett to Mental Health Advisory Board for two-year terms to expire on September 30, 2025
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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 approve the appointments of Anthony E. McDonald and Jules Darian “J.D.” Hatchett to the Mental Health Advisory Board for two-year terms to expire on September 30, 2025.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Welfare and Institutions Code sections 5604-5604.5 specify that the Board of Supervisors of each county shall appoint a Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) to provide feedback to the County Mental Health Director. The MHAB must include individuals who have experience with and knowledge of the mental health system. The MHAB membership should have ethnic diversity representative of the client population of the county. At least 50% of the membership must have personal experience either directly or as a family member of someone with mental illness. More specifically, at least 20% of the membership must be a person with lived experience as a recipient of mental health services, and at least 20% must be a family member of an individual who is receiving or has received mental health services.
The Solano County MHAB has been in existence since August 11, 1977, and consists of a diverse membership roster, including one position filled by a member of the Board of Supervisors, which is currently held by Supervisor Monica Brown. These appointments help to maintain an active membership for the MHAB to provide input to the Board of Supervisors on issues facing the local behavioral health system. The MHAB also continues to seek new members.
Anthony E. McDonald is the Executive Director/Founder of Leaders of Men, Inc., a Fairfield-based youth mentoring non-profit organization that he founded in 2018 to provide resources centered around mental health and wellness support. Mr. McDonald’s focus is on providing a comprehensive array of resources to help youth, such as housing and tackling obstacles like self-medicating and involvement with the justice system. Mr. McDonald has personal and professional lived experiences with trauma, homelessness, and family challenges with mental health and substance use. He is currently offering a program with the Sierra School of Solano County supporting and mentoring youth. His hope is to expand youth mentoring opportunities and help young people know it is okay to ask for help.
Jules Darian “J.D.” Hatchett is a certified Peer Support Specialist and Wellness Recovery Action Plan Trainer and was a former MHAB member. Mr. Hatchett has personal lived experiences, and his area of interest is peer support services to homeless individuals, youth, Black men and others. He focuses on offering hope and guidance for resiliency in a person’s life, especially for people who experience substance use and homeless challenges. Mr. Hatchett currently works as a volunteer manager for a group home supporting these individuals. His former experience includes supporting training facilitation with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Solano and the Circle of Friends, a peer run Wellness Center for adults with serious mental health illness. Mr. Hatchett wishes to rejoin the MHAB to educate and advocate on mental health and substance use issues, as well as trauma-responsive needs in the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and included in the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. There is no additional impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve these appointments. This is not recommended as H&SS and the MHAB have interviewed candidates and recommend their appointment per the MHAB bylaws.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION