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Approve the appointment of Menlo Avestro to the Mental Health Advisory Board for a term to expire on October 22, 2022
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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) requests that the Board of Supervisors approve the appointment of Menlo Avestro to serve on the Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) for a term to expire on October 22, 2022.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Welfare and Institutions code 5604-5604.5 specifies that the Board of Supervisors of each county shall appoint a Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) to provide input and feedback to the County Mental Health Director. The board must include individuals who have experience with and knowledge of the mental health system. The board membership should have ethnic diversity of the client population in the county. At least 50% of the membership must have personal experience either directly or as a family member of someone who lives 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, to assure that different viewpoints are present.
The Solano County MHAB has been in existence since August 11, 1977 and currently maintains an active and diverse six-member roster, including one position filled by a member of the Board of Supervisors, currently Supervisor Brown. The board is striving to achieve a membership of at least ten interested participants. The recommended appointment helps to maintain an active membership for the MHAB in its role to provide input to issues facing the local mental health system. Mr. Avestro attended two board meetings as a member of the public as required in the bylaws to affirm his commitment. He has been interviewed and accepted by t...
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