Press Release

• Tweet

For release March 18, 2005

Contra Costa Health Services is encouraging public participation in Prop 63 community forums by offering e-mail notification to people who want to attend. These forums are an opportunity for mental health consumers, their families and other interested parties to give their suggestions on how to use new money from the recently approved Prop 63, also known as the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

Prop 63 was passed by California voters in November and levies an additional 1% tax on individuals with taxable income of more than $1 million. The new funding will be used to transform the current mental health system in California, which is currently is unable to meet the state’s mental health needs. Anyone who wants to receive local meeting notifications via mail or e-mail, can register on-line.

"This is another way of encouraging participation in the public forums. We want the planning process to be as accessible to the community as possible," Kimberly Mayer, a program manager with the county's mental health administration.

The remaining forums will be held 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates at the specified locations: Wednesday, March 23, Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Hobby Building, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch; Thursday, March 24, El Monte Elementary School, 1400 Dina Drive, Concord; Wednesday, April 6, Greenbrook Elementary School, 1475 Harlan Drive, Danville; and Thursday, April 21, Castro Elementary School, 7125 Donal Ave., El Cerrito.

The meetings are part of Contra Costa Health Services Mental Health Division's planning process to implement MHSA. Counties are required to develop a 3-year plan, which includes getting input from mental health consumers, family members and providers of services, social service, education and law enforcement.

"It's important for the community to give feedback on what the mental health care needs are in Contra Costa County," Mayer said.

After a plan is drafted, the Contra Costa Mental Health Commission will begin a 30-day comment period. Once approved by the Board of Supervisors, the plan will be submitted to the state. The county could receive the first funding during the first quarter of 2006.

# # #