Media Advisory

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December 4, 2007

What:

Contra Costa Health Services is recruiting stakeholders to serve as advisors on mental health prevention and early intervention needs in the county. As part of the Mental Health Service Act (Prop. 63), Contra Costa County will be eligible for up to $7.1 million over the next two years for Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI), which includes strategies to help prevent mental illnesses among people who are at risk and provide early treatment for severe mental illnesses.

When & Where:

Interested stakeholders must submit applications by December 28. Applications are available online (Microsoft Word format) at http://cchealth.org/services/mental_health/prop63/ or at Contra Costa Mental Health Administration, 1340 Arnold Drive, Suite 200, Martinez, CA 94553. Applications may be submitted by email to mhsa@hsd.cccounty.us or in person at Contra Costa Mental Health Administration.

Who:

About 35 people of various backgrounds and experience are being recruited, including representatives of the following communities and/or groups: underserved communities (Native American, African American, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and LGBTQI); education; health; mental health; social services; law enforcement; faith communities; mental health consumers and their families; and Contra Costa County Mental Health Commissioners. Participants must be able to attend a January 30 meeting and at least 4 other meetings in March and April.

The stakeholders will meet as a working group to examine data on existing PEI services and service gaps and then identify priority populations by age group (0-25 and 26+) and their needs. The working group will recommend potential programs or services to best meet those targeted needs.

Why:

The PEI funding comes with requirements from the State Department of Mental Health (DMH) that specify stakeholders (individuals and/or groups) must be involved in the planning process, as well as the range of priority populations and problems that can be addressed with these funds.

For more information, visit cchealth.org/mentalhealth/mhsa/ Questions and requests for applications also can be submitted via email: mhsa@hsd.cccounty.us or by calling 925-957-5151.

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