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For Immediate Release: Martinez, CA - March 1, 2005

The Contra Costa Mental Health Commission is hosting six community forums to hear input on the Mental Health Services Act, also known as Prop 63. The meetings will be in a town hall format, facilitated by Steve Ekstrom, a consultant with The Results Group. This is an opportunity for consumers, family members and other interested parties to give their suggestions as to where they see the biggest needs for mental health services in their communities.

All of the Community Forums will be held from 7 - 9 p.m. The first Community Forum will cover District III (East portion) and will be held Wednesday, March 9 at Brentwood Elementary School's Multi-Use Room, 200 Griffith Lane, Brentwood. The second Community Forum will cover District II, and will be held Thursday, March 10 at Alhambra High School's Performing Arts Center150 E Street, Martinez. The third Community Forum will cover District V, and will be held Wednesday, March 23 at Contra Costa County Fairgrounds' Hobby Building, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch. The fourth Community Forum will cover District IV, and will be held Thursday, March 24 (location TBA). The fifth Community Forum will cover District III (South portion), and will be held Wednesday, April 6 (location TBA). The sixth and final Community Forum will cover District I, and will be held Thursday, April 7 (location TBA).

In November of 2004, California voters approved Prop 63, the Mental Health Services Act, an additional 1% tax on individuals with taxable income over $1 million. These funds will be used to transform the current mental health system in California, a system that is currently stretched beyond capacity and unable to meet the needs of consumers of mental health services or their families. Contra Costa County is currently in a planning process to develop community supports and services under the Mental Health Services Act for the first three years of funding.

All facilities are handicapped accessible. The Mental Health Commission will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to participate in the Community Forums who contact the Mental Health Commission at 925-957-5149 at least 48 hrs. before the meeting date. Interpreters are available.

Schedule of Community Forums for the Mental Health Services Act

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