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Approve the reappointments to the Behavioral Health Advisory Board of Alfred Sims for a term to expire on April 1, 2029, and Anthony E. McDonald for a term to expire on September 30, 2029
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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 recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the reappointments to the Behavioral Health Advisory Board of Alfred Sims for a term to expire on April 1, 2029, and Anthony E. McDonald for a term to expire on September 30, 2029.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Welfare and Institutions Code sections 5604 through 5604.5 establish county behavioral health boards to review and evaluate local mental health and substance use disorder services and advise the Board of Supervisors and local Behavioral Health Director. Solano County’s Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) bylaws require membership representing a range of lived, professional, and community experience, including at least one veteran or veteran advocate.
The BHAB recommends the reappointment of Alfred Sims and Anthony E. McDonald to be reappointed for three-year terms.
Alfred Sims is a veteran and serves as Solano County’s Veterans Services Officer. He has approximately nine years of experience serving veterans, including individuals experiencing homelessness and complex behavioral health needs. His prior experience includes work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System. Mr. Sims fulfills the BHAB membership requirement for at least one veteran or veteran advocate. Mr. Sims was first appointed to the BHAB on April 11, 2023. Mr. Sims’ reappointment will maintain the required veteran representation on the BHAB and provide continuity in the Board’s review of behavioral health needs and services affecting veterans and the broader Solano County community.
Anthony McDonald is the Executive Director/Founder of Leaders of Men, Inc., a Fairfield-based youth mentoring non-profit organization 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, including housing, and tackling obstacles such as addiction and involvement with the justice system. Mr. McDonald was first appointed to the BHAB on September 26, 2023.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for making appointments to the BHAB.
ALTERNATIVE
The Board may choose not to approve the reappointments. This alternative is not recommended because the BHAB recommends these members’ continued service, and Mr. Sims’ reappointment maintains the veteran or veteran advocate representation required by the Board’s bylaws.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Behavioral Health Advisory Board reviewed and recommended these reappointments.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION