Media Advisory

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Friday, March 14, 2014

What

Contra Costa Health Services' Behavioral Health Services Division invites the public to give feedback at a series of community forums about mental health needs in Contra Costa County, as it prepares a 3-year plan to use state Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding.

Staff will share analysis of recent need assessments and focus group discussions about programs that are or could be funded by the MHSA at each forum.

Feedback from attendees will help shape the first draft of the MHSA Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan for 2014-15 through 2016-17.

Who:

Contra Costa residents are encouraged to attend, particularly mental health consumers, their families and community based organizations with an interest in mental health care.

Where:

Three forums have been scheduled:

• Wednesday, March 19, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Department of Conservation and Development, 30 Muir Road, Martinez
• Tuesday, March 25, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ambrose Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road, Bay Point
• Wednesday, March 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the RYSE Center, 205 41st St., Richmond

Agendas for each forum are the same, so individuals are encouraged to attend the forum that is most convenient for them. To RSVP, contact Anita Kumar at akumar@resourcedevelopment.net or 510-488-4345, extension 125.

Why:

The MHSA is a source of state funding that supports community-based mental health programs. Programs funded through the MHSA must meet specific criteria and guidelines, and local agencies must submit detailed funding requests annually.

Community forums and public feedback are essential, required parts of the process for requesting MHSA funding.

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