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Approve the appointment of Jules Darian “JD” Hatchett to the Mental Health Advisory Board for a three year term to expire November 14, 2020
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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 approve the appointment of Jules Darian “JD” Hatchett to serve on the Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) for a three year term to expire November 14, 2020.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Welfare and Institutions code 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 MHAB has been in existence since August 11, 1977, and consists of a diverse 11 membership roster including one position filled by a member of the Board, 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.
Mr. Hatchett is a consumer of mental health services who uses his experience of recovery from mental health disorders to support others in recovery. He currently works with The Circle of Friends and the local National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide peer support to mental health consumers. Mr. Hatchett’s experience and involvement with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Sacramento County of Education inmate re-entry program serves as a driving voice for the MHAB to advocate for mental health consumers. Mr. Hatchett also oversees a Transitional Housing SLE (Sober Living Environment) program and has a deep understanding and ability to communicate with the homeless mentally ill population. A native of Vallejo, Mr. Hatchett thrives by staying active in his local community and being of service to helping others.
This appointment helps to fill and establish an active membership for the MHAB and to ensure continued participation by individuals with lived experience. This appointment submitted for the Board's approval is recommended by H&SS, the Behavioral Health Deputy Director, and the existing members of the MHAB.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve this appointment. This is not recommended as H&SS and the MHAB determined that Mr. Hatchett qualifies to serve on the MHAB Board and approved his appointment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The current members of the MHAB support the appointment of Jules Darian Hatchett to serve on the Mental Health Advisory Board.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION