Item Coversheet

REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS


BOARD MEETING DATE:  August  21, 2018
CATEGORY:  Consent - Health and Human Services-6.

SUBJECT:

Appointments to Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board

DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services Agency-Adult Services
Health and Human Services Agency-Children's Services

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Dean True, Branch Director, HHSA Adult Services, (530) 225-5900

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Dean True, Branch Director, HHSA Adult Services

Vote Required?

Simple Majority Vote
General Fund Impact?

No Additional General Fund Impact 

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions for the Shasta County Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board: (1) Appoint Connie Webber for a term to expire December 31, 2019; and (2) appoint Joseph “Ron” Vigil and Naomi Coates for terms to expire December 31, 2020.

SUMMARY

The Shasta County Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board (MHADAB) is recommending Connie Webber, Joseph “Ron” Vigil, and Naomi Coates be appointed to fill current vacancies on the MHADAB.

DISCUSSION

The MHADAB was established on December 15, 2009 by Resolution No. 2009-121 adopted by the Board of Supervisors. The MHADAB serves as a mental health board required by Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC), section 5604 and an alcohol and drug advisory board authorized by Health and Safety Code, section 11805. Three primary roles of the MHADAB are to: (1) provide mental health, alcohol and drug programs with regular community input regarding services; (2) identify unmet community needs; and (3) review draft Mental Health Services Act plans and annual updates, and to conduct related public meetings.

On May 30, 2018, an Ad Hoc Membership Committee of the MHADAB interviewed seven community members to fill vacant seats on the MHADAB. The Membership Committee’s findings determined that Connie Webber, Joseph “Ron” Vigil, and Naomi Coates each possess unique qualities and experiences allowing him/her to provide valuable input regarding mental health and substance abuse issues. At its July 11, 2018, regular meeting, MHADAB members present voted to recommend Connie Webber to fill a current vacancy with a term ending December 31, 2019, and Joseph “Ron” Vigil and Naomi Coates to fill current vacancies with terms ending December 31, 2020.

The recommended appointment complies with Article II, Section 1(B) of the Shasta County MHADAB Bylaws approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 15, 2009, which states:

Pursuant to WIC, section 5604(a)(2), 50 percent of the MHADAB membership shall be consumers or the parents, spouses, siblings, or adult children of consumers, who are receiving or have received mental health services. Pursuant to WIC, section 5604(a)(2), 20 percent of total membership shall be consumers, and at least 20 percent shall be families of consumers.

Of the remaining members, the MHADAB shall recommend individuals for appointment who represent the education community, the law and justice community (including, but not limited to, law enforcement, probation departments, and officers of the court), the health community (including, but not limited to, representatives from local hospitals, clinics, or individuals healthcare providers), representatives of community partners (programs serving individuals with mental health, alcohol and/or drug disorders), and the community at large.

Pursuant to WIC, section 5604.5, the MHADAB membership should reflect the demographic diversity of the county as a whole to the extent feasible.

A Notice of Vacancy was posted as required by Government Code section 54974 and is on file with the Clerk of the Board’s Office.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board could choose not to approve any or all of the recommended individuals, and to request the MHADAB submit a new name and/or names for consideration.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

County Counsel has reviewed the recommendation for legal sufficiency.  The recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office. The MHADAB supports the recommendation.

FINANCING

There is no additional General Fund impact from the recommended action.