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Approve the reappointment of Denise Coleman to serve on the Mental Health Advisory Board for a term to expire August 4, 2023
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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 reappointment of Denise Coleman to serve on the Mental Health Advisory Board for a term to expire August 4, 2023.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Welfare and Institutions code sections 5604-5604.5 specifies that the governing body of each County shall appoint a mental health board consisting of at least ten members. The Solano County Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) has been in existence since August 11, 1977, and consists of a diverse eight-member roster including one position filled by a member of the Board of Supervisors, currently held by Supervisor Brown. Fifty percent of the MHAB's members are required to be direct mental health service consumers or family members of consumers who reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of Solano County.
On July 25, 2017, the Board approved the appointment of Denise Coleman to the Solano County MHAB. Ms. Coleman is a resident of Solano County and fills a Consumer Member slot. During her first three-year term she attended monthly MHAB meetings and was an active voting member advising the Board and the Behavioral Health Deputy Director on aspects of the local mental health program.
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, providing support to some of the most acute clients living in Solano County.
This reappointment helps to fill and establish an active membership for the MHAB and ensure continued participation. This appointment submitted for the Board's approval is recommended by the Department, the Behavioral Health Deputy Director, and the existing members of the MHAB.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the County General Fund. The cost of creating this agenda item is nominal and absorbed in the Department’s FY2020/21 Preliminary Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve this appointment. This is not recommended; both H&SS and the MHAB approved Ms. Coleman’s reappointment, and determined that she qualifies and desires to serve the County and its mental health consumers in this capacity.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The current members of the MHAB support the appointment of Denise Coleman to serve on this board.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION