HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11021999 - P3 Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Casts
FROM: Herbert B. Putnam, Cheer, Mental Heath Commission County
DATE: October 12, 1999
SUBJECT: FY 1998-99 ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
R MENDA'ION:
ACCEPT the Fiscal Year 1998-99 Annual Report from the Mental Health Commission
BACKGRQ11NM
The California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604.2 requires that the Mental Health Commission/Advisory Board
submit an annual report to the Governing Body on the needs and performance of the County's Mental Health System.
FISCAL .PACT:
None.
6 p
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
5IGNATIIRE(S)• —
ACTION OF BOARD ON " APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED - .._ OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ——ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact Parson: Nancy Houk, 313-6409 t
CC: Dr, William Walker, Health Services Director ATTESTED� i ARE
Ms. Donna M.Wigand, LCSW, Mental Health Director x PA TCH LOR, EftlC OF THE BOARD OF
Mental Health Commission SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY DEPUTY
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9
Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Costa
FROM: Harbert S. Putnam, Chair, Mental Health Commission County
DATE: October 12, 1999
SUBJECT: 1=Y 1998-99 ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
ACCEPT the Fiscal Year 1998-99 Annual Report from the Mental Health Commission
BACKGROUND:
The California Welfare and Institutions Cade Section 5604.2 requires that the Mental Health Commission/Advisory Board
submit an annual report to the Governing Body on the needs and performance of the County's Mental Health System.
FISCAL: IMPACT:
None.
090111FINWED 811 TT -/-�4-
rL� wVYL
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATUREfS):
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
#HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT _i AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact Person: Nancy Houk, 313-6409
SCC: Dr. William Walker, Health Services Director ATTEST»O /
Ms. Donna M. Wigand, LCSW, Mental Health Director PHIl BATCHELOR, O RK OF THE BOARD OF
Mental Health Commission SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
DEPUTY
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1998-99
Contra Costa County
Mental Health Commission
595 Center Avenue,Suite 200
Martinez, CA 94553
Approved by the Mental Health Commission at Their Meeting of
Contra Costa County
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION— ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ........................................................................................................................3
MissionStatement..................................................................................................................4
Section 1. MHC Goals and Accomplishments, 98-99....................................................5
Section II. Standing Committees—Goals and Action Plan Accomplishments, 98-99...13
• Planning........................................................................ .......................13
• Children and Youth..................................................................................14
• Adults.......................................................................................................15
• Older Adults.............................................................................................17
• Finance.....................................................................................................18
• Managed Care..........................................................................................18
• Other Organizations and Agencies ..........................................................18
Section 111. Mental Health Awareness and Education......................................................19
Section IV. Mental Health Commission Membership, Committee Composition.............23
Annual Report FY 1999-99 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
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The Welfare and Institutions Code requires that each county have a Mental Health Board
or Commission. The Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission consists of
sixteen members who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. One member, by State
law, is a member of the Board of Supervisors. There are also requirements for consumer,
family and multi-cultural representation.
The Commission's responsibilities are specified in Welfare and Institutions Code 5604,
The Commission's duties include the following:
• Review and evaluate the community's mental health needs, services, facilities and
special problems.
• Review any county agreements entered into pursuant to Section 5650.
• Advise the governing body and the local mental health director as to any aspect of
the local mental health program.
• Review the procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all
stages of the planning process.
• Submit an annual report to the governing body.
• Review and make recommendations on applicants for the appointment of a local
director of mental health services. The board/commission shall be included in the
selection process prior to the vote of the governing body.
• Review and comment on the county's performance outcome data to the State Mental
Health Planning Council.
• The board/commission shall assess the impact of the realignment of services from
the state to the county, on services delivered to consumers and the impact of
realignment on the local community.
The Commission has established special committees, liaisons and advocates to assure that
all of the State mandates are fulfilled. This report is being submitted to the Board of
Supervisors in fulfillment of one of the mandates. The activities of the Commission and
the Commission's organizational structure to meet these requirements are detailed in this
report. The Commission will continue to work in indispensable partnership with the
Department of Health Services/Division of Mental Health,the Board of Supervisors and
community groups, to strengthen mental health services critical to Contra Costa County.
Annual Report FY 1998-99 3 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
M �� � � �i
NSIII
CONTRA COSTA TOO!, NMI
1MMODUCTION!
The State of California has rn n the develop hent of Mental Health Commissions in
each County so that consumers; family members, and other citizens will have an
opportunity to be involved and influential in theplanting and implementation of the
public mental health services delivery system,
MISSION:
The Mental Health Commission has a dualml ion, Ff,%,to fluence the county's
f csheenaev alental Health System otve
'
of c t,culturally relevant and r n v fio then ds and des of ,clients i#
serves dtgnifiy and respect, , o d,.to adv a e i the l a f�l� rrvisors
e Mel l health l i i ion, aid`the co 1 be if f ill l + ritr costa residents
who are in need of mental healthi services.
I
Rem'by the M,W9 fleaith tolumfssion
§-pp!,"mber 1998
Annual Report FY 1998-99 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
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MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION GOALS
1998-1999
The Mental Health Commission Goals were reviewed and revised at the annual
retreat on September 26, 1998. The Commission periodically reviews the Coals,with
progress monitored toward meeting each goal. The following is a synopsis of progress
made toward each of the goals in 1998-1999 fiscal year.
FOLLOW-UP ON AD HOC/LONG RANGE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ongoing 1. Revisit with the Mental Health Division the Ad Hoc/Long Range
Plan recommendations to ensure that progress is being made in
implementing the recommendations. (Mental Health Commission
and Designated Representatives).
• Objective I —Every Commissioner will have a copy of the
Ad HoclLong Range Plan in order to prepare to revisit the
recommendations. Commission staff will provide copies of
the Ad HoclLong Range Plan to Commission members by
October S, 1998.
PROGRESS: Objective XI has been completed--the plans
were distributed to each Mental Health Commission
member, and they have been re-distributed to Mental
Health Administration.
The State Hospital beds have been reduced from 34 to 6.
An effort was made to develop a local IMD for Contra
Costa County consumers. A grant request was made to
establish a central County Crisis Intervention team.
Although request for the grant was not approved,the idea
is being re-submitted to the grant process.
Ongoing 2. Participate in the Mental Health Division's planning to create a
Annual Report FY 1998-99 5 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
more consumer-centered system at all age levels and across the life
span. (Mental Health Commission and designated
representatives).
• Objective I --Members of the Commission will participate
on the Consumer Policy and Planning Committee and
Recovery Task Force Committee.
• Objective 2—Family Partners and members of the Older
Adult Committee will participate on the Children's
Committee.
• Objective 3—Commission members will continue linkage
with the Senior Peer Counseling group of the Office on
Aging.
PROGRESS. Objective 1 and Z have been accomplished.
The Older Adult Committee is continuing its work to meet
Objective 3.
Ongoing 3. Regularly secure and review information on the Mental Health
Division's implementation of Performance Outcome Measures.
(Mental Health Commission)
• Objective I —Contra Costa County will participate,as a pilot
County in the Adult Performance Outcome Measures for the State
of California.
• Objective 2— The Children's Committee will request a report from
Steve Hahn-Smith by February 1999 and will present the report to
the furl Commission.
PROGRESS: Objective 1 and Z have been completed.
Ongoing 4. Report to the Board of Supervisors on the Ad Hoc/Long Lange
Plan recommendations which have been implemented and those
yet to be implemented(these will be included in the Annual Report
of the Commission to the Board of Supervisors). (Mental Health
Commission and designated representatives)
PRQ, U S The following were recommendations from the
Ad Hoc/Long Range Plan(the italicized portions',indicate
progress made to date)
• Decrease the reliance on State Hospital and IMD beds:
Use of State Hospital beds has decreased from 34 to
6 during the past three years. Use of I D beds has
increased due to the decreased usage of State
Hospital beds.
Annual Report FY 1998-99 6 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
_. _.
• Identify strategies to reduce the utilization and length of
stay on I and J wards in Merrithew Hospital. The
Mental Health Commission has reviewed reports
from Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Contra Costa
Regional Medical Center. The responsibility for this
Unit has been transferred to the Division of
Hospitals and Clinics. However,the Mental Health
Commission continues to have concern over the
length of stay and utilization of the Psychiatric
Inpatient Unit inasmuch as these costs are charged
to the Mental Health Division.
• Expand crisis intervention capability. The Mental
Health Division is applying for a grant from a
foundation in order to start-up a pilot crisis
intervention facility.
• Involve consumers at all levels of the system in
developing their treatment plans, evaluating services,
working as staff and serving as members of boards and
committees. The Mental Health Division, in response
to the advocacy of the Mental Health Commission,
has hired a Consumer Coordinator,who has created
an Office for Consumer Empowerment. There are
now two active consumer run self-help centers. A
third will be opening soon and plans are underway
for a fourth consumer-run center.
• Enhance and strengthen the case management system.
The team approach in case load management
continues to be effective in East and Central Contra
Costa County. Space problems have prevented
expansion in West County.
• Evaluate all current clinic services and day treatment
in light of the possibilities offered by the Rehabilitation
Option and other funding sources. The funding
opportunities provided by the Rehabilitation Option
are being advocated for maximization by the Mental
Health Division.
• .Keep funds saved from reducing hospital, IMD, and
local inpatient services available for maintenance and
development of community resources....for all age
groups....to the fullest extent possible. The Mental
Health Commission continues to advocate for this
goal.
COMPLETE THE PLANNING EFFORT:
Ongoing 5. The Children's Committee will develop and send to the
Annual Report FY 1998-99 7 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
Commission for approval the Mission.Statement and.the Goals of
the Children's Committee by January 1999. (Children's
Committee)
PROGRESS: Goal#5 has been completed.
Ongoing 6. Arrange linkages between the children's, adult, and older adult
committees on commonalities. Advocate for services to address
gaps in continuing care from children to adult to older adult.
+ Objective I — The Commission will investigate the
feasibility of a rotating committee member to achieve goal
#6.
PROGE.ESS: A Mental Health Commissioner is now
serving on both the Children's and the Adult
Committees of the Commission.
In view of the fact that our division has fewer resources than a decade ago,the
following goals have been established to GIVE PRIORITY TO COMMUNITY-
BASED HOUSING:
Ongoing 7. Advocate for the maintenance of currently funded housing
resources for both adults and children.
PItO!QBESS: The SAGE Program continues in the Adult
Program and there are an increased number'of augmented
care beds.
Ongoing 8. The Commission will review,update, and publicly publish the
1993-94 Housing Plan which spells out a range of housing options
and a targeted number of units to meet the array of housing needs.
+ Objective 1 — .The Commission will distribute to the Adult,
Older Adult and the Children's Committees the 1993-94
Housing Plan for review and update.
PROGRESS: Objective 1 has been completed. The Mental
Health Commission has scheduled a review of current
housing inventory at a future meeting. The Commission is
concerned about gaps in present continuum of care.
Ongoing 9. Advocate and review progress for an organizational mechanism
for accomplishing the housing goals.
+ Objective 1 —Donna M Wigand, LCSW, Mental Health
Director, will report to the Commission on the progress in
reaching the housing goals by December 1998.
Annual Report FY 1998-99 8 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
PROGRESS: The Adult Committee of the Mental Health
Commission has received periodic reports from the
Regional Housing Coordinators as to the status of housing
inventories by region. The Mental Health Division
reported to the Commission that the East and Central
County clinics have made Section 8 Certificates available
for a number of deserving clients.
Ongoing 10. Advocate for the development of an appropriate array of housing
resources for residents who are in need of mental health services to
enable them to remain close to their families and communities.
PROGRESS: Through the Adult Program Review
Committee,the Mental Health Commission continues its
role of advocacy for an increased array of housing for the
mentally ill.
Ongoing 11. Appropriate committees will review quarterly the progress and
effectiveness of residential services development.
PROGRESS See goal#10.
EFFECTIVELY FULFILL MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Annual 12. Review and Update Mission Statement Annually. (Mental Health
Commission)
PROGRESS: The Mental Health Commission reviewed
and updated its Mission Statement at the September 26,
1998 annual retreat.
Annual 13. Review the Mental Health Commission's performance of duties as
specified in AB 14 and in the Mental Health Commission Bylaws.
(Mental Health Commission)
PROGRESS The Commission reviewed its roles and
responsibilities at the annual retreat in September 1998.
New Commissioners are appropriately oriented at the
time of their appointment.
KEEP CURRENT ON RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Ongoing 14. Revisit AB 904, the State of California Master Plan and the
executive summary.
• Objective I - The Commission will plan a public forum to
Annual Report FY 1998-99 9 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
discuss the State of California Mental Health Master Plan
after the State has completed the revisions.
PROGRESS: The Mental Health Commission has not
received any further information regarding completion
of the revisions to the State of California Mental Health
Master Plan.
Ongoing 15. Advocate and keep abreast of Federal/State/Local mandates,
changes, developments, etc.,which directly or indirectly effect
those needing mental health services. (Mental Health
Commission)
+ Objective 1 — The Commission will investigate the
feasibility of setting up a Web page to include information
about mental health issues and the means to advocate for
those issues.
+ Objective 2— Wayne S irnpson will communicate regularly
with committees on legislative issues that impact their area
of interest.
PROGRESS. Objective 1 o The Mental Health Division
has assigned the responsibility for development of a
web site to a staff member, the results are still pending.
Objective 2—The Mental Health Commission created a
position for a Legislative Coordinator.
Ongoing 16. Review the County's budget and policies and advocate for
expenditure controls for mental health services.
PROGRESS: An Ad Hoc Finance Committee has
been established which meets regularly with the
CFO of the Health Services Department.
OTHER.THINGS TO DO:
Ongoing 17. Advocate and solicit for Vocational Rehabilitation activities in the
County—Jobs for Consumers.
+ Objective 1 -- The Commission will research what is being
done to provide jobs for consumers in othercounties and
will create recommendations for Contra Costa County by
January 1999.
PROGRESS: The Mental Health Commission visited a
Vocational Rehabilitation/Work Program that is
underway in Napa County. The Mental Health
Annual Report FY 194$-99 10 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
Commission continues to advocate for stronger
Vocational Rehabilitation Services in this;County.
Ongoing 18. Advocate for a survey of consumers to determine what meaningful
activities for Clients/Consumers are needed within the County.
+� Objective I — Create a Consumer Committee to review the
survey and recommend to the Commission,policy and planning
for consumer needs.
PROGRESS: The Older Adult Committee of the
Mental Health Commission is currently surveying the
Older Adult Population and its providers regarding
perceived service needs.
ADDITIONAL GOALS.
Ongoing 19. Create a process to maintain ongoing communication between the
Mental Health Division and the Mental health Commission.
+ Objective I —Distribute to the Mental Health.Division the
Commission's Mission,Statement and the song Range
Plan..
PROGRESS. Objective 1 has been completed. The
Chair and Vice Chair continue to meet regularly with
the Mental Health Director who attends all regular
Mental Health Commission meetings. Appropriate
staff attend Commission Committee meetings.
Ongoing 20. 'Working with other departments and services, advocate for
alternatives to incarceration for youth and adults along the lines of
the Santa Clara Model or other models.
PROGRESS: The Santa Clara Model calls for
development of a Mobile Crisis Team; the
Commission continues to advocate for this model.
The Mentally Ill Offender Crime Reduction
Strategy Committee has been incorporated into the
Criminal Justice Committee,which is'a
subcommittee of the Adult Program Review
Committee.
Ongoing 21. Advocate for welfare reform services and programs that address
the mental health needs of participants.
• Objective I — Work with PAI to go forward to challenge the
Annual Report FY 1998-99 11 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
Governor's veto on mental health funding.
PROGRESS: As part of the Commission's
legislative program,it continues to advocate for
legislation to improve the conditions of the mental
health recipients.
Ongoing 22. Research the implications and advocate for institutionalizing
collaboration across County departments, services, and agencies
impacting mental health services.
PROGRESS: The Mental Health Commission initiated
semi-annual joint meetings of the leadership of Health
Services Department Commissions which', are appointed
by the Board of Supervisors.
Annual Report)±Y 1998-99 12 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
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PLANNING.
Review of Planning Documents:
The Commission has fulfilled its mandate to review various county agreements. It also
supports the Department in applying for grants. The following formal Commission
reviews occurred during this reporting period:
.Date: Action:
May 27, 1999 PATH Grant Renewal Application,FY
1998-99—Reviewed and Recommended
July 26, 1999 SAMSHA Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration Bloch
Grant Renewal Application for State
Fiscal Year 1999-00—Approved and
Recommended for Funding
To be reviewed in next fiscal year. Mental Health Services State
Performance Contract#96-76197,
between Contra Costa County and the
State of California for Fiscal Year 1999-
2000.
Annual Report FY 1998-99 13 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
CHILDREN and YOUTH
The Children's Committee developed its first Mission Statement,which was reviewed
and approved by the Mental Health Commission on December 18, 1998, as follows:
We are dedicated to advocacy for children's mental health issues. We promote
the growth of healthy children and families of Contra Costa County, through
developing, supporting, and evaluating the children's mental health system and
its related programs.
Vision
Cour vision is to focus on children's mental health through the perspective of the
child as a whole person, considering all their needs through an interface with
other Contra Costa County commissions, advisory Boards and committees that
are dealing with children's issues.
Self-Education: The Children's Committee had the following speakers present
information:
• Patrick Godley, CFO,Health Services Department
• Mary Kay Miller, Welcome Home Baby Program
• Chris Lafferty, Family Stress Center—Child Enrichment Program
• Steve Hahn-Smith,Program Evaluator, regarding Children's Performance Outcomes
• Healthy Families Program
• Ruth Ormsby, Contra Costa County Mental Health Division Children's Program
Chief,regarding Changes in the Children's Mental Health System—Past,Present and
Future
The Children's Committee also accomplished the following during the fiscal year:
• Stayed abreast of the new Children's and Families First Commission(Proposition
10). The committee actively advocated for mental health representation as part of the
new commission's composition.
• The Children's Committee reviewed and discussed the Community Treatment
Facility Regulations
• The committee discussed the Fall 1998 Contra Costa County Children's Report Card,
formulating recommendations for additional improvements in the report card
• Made recommendations to the Mental Health Division regarding EPSDT Projects and
Personnel positions.
• Recognized Belle Lipsett for Lifetime of Advocacy for Contra Costa County Children
Annual Report FY 1998-99 14 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
__..... _...._ ...............
... _ ._.... ....... ......... ....... ........ _..__..
....... .............
ADULTS
The Adult Program Review Committee refined its Mission Statement at the Mental
Health Commission Retreat in September 1998, as follows:
the Adult.Program Review Committee has a dual mission: first, to influence the
County's mental health system to ensure the delivery of quality services which are
effective, efficient, culturally relevant and responsive to the needs and desires of
the clients it serves, with dignity and respect; and, secondly, to advocate with the
Board ofSupervisors, the Mental Health Division, and the community on behalf
of all Contra Costa County adult residents with mental disabilities.
The committee refined its FY98-99 goals,which were approved by the Mental Health
Commission on December 18, 1998. Progress toward meeting those goals is reviewed
by the committee on a quarterly basis(A copy of the last goal update is attached to the
Report as ADDENDUM).
Some of the important highlights/accomplishments of the committee include:
Site Visits and Program Evaluations:
Another focus of the committee has been to conduct site visits and program evaluations
for contract agencies and services,which provide care to persons with mental disabilities.
During the past year,the committee has visited the following sites:
• Rubicon.Bakery, Richmond
• Phoenix Programs, Inc., following sites:
• Maple House, Concord
• Niereka House, Concord
• Nevin House, Concord
• Concord Day Treatment
• Crestwood Vallejo Facility—IMD
• Crestwood Solano Facility—Social Rehab
Other Mental Health Commons y Issues:
An Alternatives to.Incarceration Subcommittee was formed, which has been reconfigured
to become a Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the Adult Program Review';Committee.
This committee is formulating approaches that might be used to consider alternatives to
incarceration for persons with mental disabilities.
Self-Education:
Annual Report FY 1998-99 15 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
The committee has also worked toward its goal of self-education, and in its goal of
staying abreast of the progress made toward goals within the Mental Health Division.
The fallowing individuals have attended and been speakers to the committee:
+ Dr. Frank.Broucek, Medical Director,Psychiatric Inpatient Services, Contra
Costa County Regional Medical Center
* Dr. William Serbin,Medical Director,Mental Health Division
* Ellen Danchik,Housing Coordinator, East County Adult Mental health
+ Chris Koch,Vocational Services Coordinator,Mental Health Division
* John Allen,Mental Health Division Central County Supervisor
* Kagey Dorosz,Executive Director, Elder Abuse Prevention: A Consortium
Serving Alameda and Centra Costa Counties
* Lisa Eckhart, Mental Health Consumer Concerns,Re: Client Run Community
Centers
+ John Allen and Marilyn Sanders, re: New Dousing Options
* Joanna Bragen, The TLC(Tender Loving Care)Project
The committee has also been fortunate to have as a regular attendees.
* Mr. Jay Mahler, Consumer Coordinator for the Mental Health Division
• Dr. Bob Moody, Adult Services Program Chief
+ Ednah Friedman and John Allen, Co-Program Chiefs, Adult/Older Adult Services,
Mental Health Division.
Other Accomplishments of the Adult Committee:
* Quarterly Review of Progress toward Committee's Goals
• Discussion,Review and Action Regarding the Recovery Model Concept
• Report of the California Depression&Manic Depression Association State
Conference
• Development of Mental Health Site Visit Protocol
Annual Report FY 1998-99 16 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
OLDER ADULTS.
This newly created committee was formed as a result of the Mental Health Commission's
interest in Older Adult Services in Mental Health. The committee meets to look at the
mental health needs of older adults, and to develop or advocate for a comprehensive
continuum of care for alder adults. Two individuals agreed to co-chair this new
committee: Eva Schaffer and Thomasina Horsley.
The committee developed the following Mission Statement:
The Older Adult Committee's Mission is to:
• Ensure the delivery of quality services with dignity and respect to alder adults
with mental disabilities. These services are to be effective, efficient, culturally
sensitive, and responsive to the needs and desires of those consumers.
• To advise, advocate, and educate the Mental.Health Commission and the
community at large on behalf of all older mentally disabled residents in
Centra Costa County.
The committee accomplished the following during the 1998-99 Fiscal Year:
• Reviewed demographic data regarding Contra Costa County,
• Developed and distributed a survey for Older Adults in the Mental Health
Community
• Members attended the Mental Health and Aging Conference titled"Educate, Then
Advocate",
• Heard from the following west Speakers:
• Deborah Card,Director of Nursing,Home Health Public Nursing, Speaking on
"Broad Long Term Care Planning for Older Adults:
• Barbara Lyon,Director,Mental Health Consumer Concerns,Regarding the
"TLC"Project
• Susan Naim,RN,PHN,Program Specialist and Manager, and Grace Hagopian,
RN, PHN, Geriatric Clinical Specialist, regarding Contra Costa County Public
Health Nursing
• Reviewed the draft"Domains, Issues, Outcomes and Indicators for Older Adults"
from.the California Mental Health Planning Council
• Made a site visit to the Concord Older Adult Clinic
• Discussed and Recommended Action Regarding Advocacy for providing mental
health services for older adults in Contra Costa County
• Promoted Participation in National Depression Screening Day as part of the
campaign on clinical depression in older adults in California.
• Discussed and recommended to the Mental Health Director and.Health Services
Department a pilot project as a demonstration program for older adults suffering from
dementia and Alzheimer's.
Annual Report FY 1998-99 17 Contra Costa County Mental 11ealth Commission
FINANCE CQMMITTEE:
The Finance Committee was created by the approval of the Mental Health Commission in
November of 1997. The purpose of the committee is to carry out the charge of the
Mental Health Commission that it review the County's budget and policies and advocate
for Mental Health Services throughout the budgeting process, and advocate for budgeting
and expenditure controls to be held within the Mental Health Division. Toward that enol,
the members of the committee have individually met with, or spoken with,each member
of the Beard of Supervisors. The Finance Committee is currently involved in meetings
with Pat Godley, Chief Financial Officer, for the purpose of reviewing fiscal matters
within the Mental Health Division. This committee continues to meet monthly with Mr.
Godley.
N ANAGED CARE:
The MHC committee structure continues to be utilized as the vehicle for public input for
managed care planning. Through this structure, members of the public are provided an
opportunity to contribute input to the planning process for Medi-Cal Managed Care
consolidation of non-hospital mental health services.
WORK WITH C3 R R TIt)NS A E IES:
The MHC works alongside and cooperatively with a number of organizations in the
community,as well as participates in the Contra Costa County Mental Health Coalition.
The MHC has co-sponsored mental health educational conferences, mental health
awareness events,awards events, etc. Those organizations include:
• Contra Costa County Network of Mental Health Clients
• Mental Health Consumer Concerns
• Contra Costa County Alliance for the Mentally Ill(AMI)
• Contra Costa County Mental Health Association
The commission also has linkages to the following other County Commissions:
• Parenting Task Force of the Children and.Families Policy Forum—The Family Net
• Juvenile Systems Planning Advisory Committee
• FACT—Families and Children Trust Fund
Annual Report FY 1998-99 18 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
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Education for Commission Members:
The Commission participated in a planning retreat on September 26, 1998. The subjects
covered in the daylong planning and training retreat included:
• Roles and Responsibilities of the Mental Health Commission
• The Brown Act
• Committee Procedures and Governance
• Committee Membership
• Team Building and Role Reversal
• Mission Statement Review
• Development of Goals and Objectives for the Commission for the 1998-99 year
• Operationalizing the Goals
• Creating the Team
Several of the Commission members have attended educational conferences throughout
the year, for the purpose of bringing information back to Commission members to keep
them abreast of Children's Issues, Older Adult issues,Housing, etc. Commission
members attended the following conferences:
• C.M.H.A.C.Y. (California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth)
• Children's System of Care Conference—"Opening the.Doors—Children's
Interagency System of Care---Development in a Managed Care Environment"
• Beyond the Boundaries: Preparing Today's Children for Tomorrow, 20th Annual
Conference
• Joint Meeting of California Mental Health Planning Council, the California Mental
Health Directors Association, and the California Association of Local Mental Health
Boards and Commissions
• The Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance Training
• Mental Health and Aging Conference titled"Educate, Then Advocate",
• CDMDA State Conference(California Depression&Manic Depression Assn.)
Annual Repott FY 1998-99 19 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
t)utreach to EAu_rjt&the Crim u l —The MentalRean CommissLon Speaker's
Bur au:
The Speaker's Bureau has been very active during this fiscal year. Early in the year,the
committee developed its first Mission Statement:
The Speaker's Bureau of the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
has a twofold mission: 1) to raise the level of awareness regarding persons with
mental disabilities and 2) to work to reduce stigma towards persons with mental
disabilities. This two,fold purpose is carried out by educating the community
through Speaker's Bureau presentations to various organizations and agencies
within Contra Costa County.
The Speaker's Bureau of the Mental Health Commission provides an excellent
presentation full of information about persons with mental disabilities with emphasis
upon erasing stigma,and also for improving housing opportunities. The Speaker's
Bureau provides the organization with a team for speaking engagements-the teams
consist of a mental health client, a family member, and a mental health service provider.
The Team uses a variable format that is adjusted to suit the needs of the organization.
The Team brings with them the video titled"The Way It Is: Mental Health Consumers
Speak Out",which was written and produced by Contra Costa.County's Mental Health
Commission. After the video presentation,the Team makes an approximately 30 minute
presentation,with a question and answer period fallowing.
The following organizations,agencies, etc.,have received presentations by a Speaker's
Bureau Team, for a total of 1,052 people having been contacted through this outreach
thus far:
• Social Security Offices Pittsburg, Walnut Creek,Richmond, San Pablo
• Pittsburg Police Department(3 squads)
• Richmond Police Department(7 squads)
• Brentwood Police Department(4 squads)
• Martinez Police Department(4 squads)
• Pleasant Hill Police Department(7 squads)
• Peace Lutheran Church
• Contra.Costa Section/National Council of Jewish Womenni
• Presbyterian Women
• Clayton Valley High School
• Ygnacio Valley High School
• Concord High School
• Northgate High School
• B'Nai Shalom Sisterhood
• St. John's Senior Center
Annual Report FY 1998-99 20 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
• Hume Center
The Speaker's Bureau has targeted specific agencies in Centra Costa County for
presentations during the next fiscal year. Those agencies include:
• Additional Police Departments
• Other Hospitals:
• First Hospital/Vallejo
• Crisis UnivRichmond
• Delta Memorial Hospital ER
• John Muir Medical Center ER
• Brookside Hospital ER
• Bus Lines/Services
• Paramedic/Ambulance Companies
• Schools &Colleges:
• Graduate Schools
• Junior College
• Additional High Schools
The Speaker's Bureau has also developed an informational brochure which has been(and
can be)distributed to community civic clubs and organizations,telling those
organizations about the services of the Speaker's Bureau.
Develo =nt of Mental Health Awareness-,
Mental Health Month--May lY 999: On April 28, 1999, the Mental Health Commission
received from the.Board of Supervisors the Proclamation declaring May as"Mental
Health Month". The Mental Health Commission also requested and received
proclamations from other cities within the County, including: Antioch, Brentwood,
Clayton, Concord, Danville,Dublin, Lafayette, Martinez, Orinda,Pleasant Hill, San
Ramon, and Walnut Creels.
Other awareness activities during May included regular showings of the video "The Way
It Is: Mental Health Clients Speak(jut",which was telecast on Contra Costa TV
(C.C.T.V.).
The Mental Health Commission and the Mental Health Division of the Health Services
Department, also co-sponsored the second annual"Hope Faire",which was held on May
1, 1999, at Todos Santos Park in downtown Concord. The event was promoted as a
countywide faire open to the general public to take a meatal health day as part of Mental
Health Awareness Month. The goal of the planning committee was to raise awareness,
educate the public about mental disabilities and to dispel associated negative
preconceptions about persons with mental disabilities.
Annual Report FY 3998-99 21 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
Throughout the day,the stage featured live entertainment from local bands, comedy, and
guest speakers. Some of the speakers included: Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier and
Congressman George Miller provided the keynote address to fair goers.
Other activities included game booths, a carnival store, dunk tank, giant lawn bowling,
bungee nun,balloon typhoon,Humpty Dumpty bounce, face painting, Gummy the
Clown, and a host of other activities. Over 60 community organizations disseminated
information at booths, and assisted faire participants in understanding the various
services provided by their respective organizations. The day was considered to be
overwhelmingly successful as the attendance expected far exceeded the estimates; there
were several thousand in attendance throughout the day.
Annual Report FY 1998-99 22 Contra Costa County Mental health Commission
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t �
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION APPOINTMENT PROCESS
The Beard of Supervisors makes all appointments,by State lave, to the Mental Health
Commission. The Welfare and Institutions Code has membership requirements relating
to consumers, family members and ethnic representation. At the time of any vacancy, the
Commission makes known to the Board of Supervisors the need for appropriate
representation. Interested persons are encouraged to contact their representative on the
Board of Supervisors directly.
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OFFICERS COMMITTEES AND
LIAISONS.
Mental Health Commission members are appointed for three year terms; terms are
staggered to expire June 30 of each year. Commission Officers are elected annually at
the June meeting,taking office in July. Membership on the Commission is unique—the
Welfare and Institutions Code requires at least 50%of the membership be comprised of
consumers of mental health services and family members of consumers. The balance
may be comprised of interested citizens. Currently,the Commission is comprised of 5
family members, 5 consumers, and 5 interested citizens. There is one vacancy at the
present time.
The Commission meets 11 times a year, and each of the standing committees meets
monthly.
Mental Health Commission 1998-99•
District One: Taalia Hasan(Family Member)
Thomasina Horsley(At-Large Member)
Vacancy—Consumer Seat
District Two: Marie Goodman(.Family Member)
Cynthia Miller(At-Large Member)
Robert Torres(Family Member)
District Three: Eva Schaffer(Consumer Member)
Wayne Simpson(Family Member)(Through April
Annual Report FY 1998-99 23 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
1999)
William Shryer(At-Large Member)
Scott Singley(Family Member)
District Four: Herb Putnam.(At-Large Member)
Joan..Sorisio (Family:Member)(through March
1999)
Tom Barr si(Consumer Member)
Diane Greenwood(Family Member)
District Five: Lynn Gurko(Consumer Member)
Kathi McLaughlin(Consumer Member)
Chet Watson(At-Large Member)
Supervisor Representative: Jahn Gioia, Supervisor
Officers 1998-99
Chair: Herb Putnam
Vice Chair: Joan Sorisio
Chair,Children's Committee: Kathi McLaughlin
Chair,Adult Committee: Joan Sorisio/Bob Torres
Chair, Speaker's Bureau: Herb Putnam/Chet Watson
Co-Chairs,Older Adult Committee: Eva Schaffer and Thomasina Horsley
Chair,Organization.Dev. Comm: Marie Goodman
moult Proeram review Committee 1998-99•
Joan Sorisio, Chair(through March 1999)
Bob Torres, Chair(from March 1999)
Wayne Simpson
Diane Greenwood
Children's Committee 1998-99
Kathi McLaughlin, Chair
Cynthia Miller
Taalia Hasan
Bill Spryer
Diane Greenwood
Sneaker's Bureau 1998-99
Herb Putnam., Chair(through April 1999)
Chet Watson, Chair(from April 1999)
Annual Report FY 1998-99 24 Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission
Tom Barresi
Lynn Gurko
Organizational Dmlopment Committee 1998-99
Marie Goodman, Chair
Herb Putnam
Cynthia Miller
Joan Sorisio(through March 1999)
Lynn Gurko (since April 1999)
Finance Committee 199$•99
Herb Putnam, Chair
Joan Sorisio(through March 1999)
Wayne Simpson(through April 1999)
Kathi McLaughlin(Children)
Lynn Gurko (since April 1999)
Marie Goodman
Commission Liaisons to Other County Committees.Commissions and Task Forces:
Consumer Policy&Planning Committee: Herb Putnam
Joan Sorisio
Recovery Task Force Steering Committee: Lynn Gurko
Herb Putnam
Annual Report FY 1998-99 25 Contra Costa County Meatal Health Commission