To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: APPOINTMENT TO THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BOARD
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPOINT Beth Roosa to the District II, Family Seat on the Behavioral Health Board for a three-year term with an expiration date of December 31, 2029, as recommended by Supervisor Candace Andersen.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NONE
BACKGROUND:
Proposition 1, passed as a ballot measure in April, 2024, mandates transformation of the public health system (Senate Bill 326: sections pertaining to the Behavioral Health Board). Provisions of SB 326 included implementation of an integrated Behavioral Health Board by January 1, 2025. This integrated advisory body is to include designated members of the community prepared to address community mental health and substance use treatment services.
On December 17, 2024 (D.8), the Department provided a report to the Board of Supervisors on the updates and requirements under SB 326, and received approval and guidance to establish a 15-seat Behavioral Health Board in Contra Costa County.
The mandated functions of the Behavioral Health Board, an advisory body, include:
• Review and evaluate the local public behavioral health system
• Review and evaluate the local public substance use disorder treatment system
• Advise the Board of Supervisors on community mental health and substance use disorder services
• Review and evaluate the community’s public behavioral health needs, services, facilities, and special problems where services are being provided
• Review county agreements entered under Welfare and Institutions Code section 5650
• Advise the Board of Supervisors and the local behavioral health director
• Review and approve procedures for citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process
• Submit an annual report to the Board of Supervisors
• Review and recommend appointment of the local director of behavioral health services
• Review and comment on county’s performance outcome data
• Assess the impact of the realignment of services from the State to the County
• Conduct a public hearing on the draft three-year program and expenditure plan and annual updates at the close of the 30-day comment period required by subdivision.
• Review adopted Behavioral Health Services Act plan and make recommendations to the local behavioral health agency
• Provide an annual report of written explanations to the Board of Supervisors and Department of Health Care Services
Supervisor Andersen has advertised the seat, reviewed applications and met with applicants, and believes Ms. Roosa will be a positive addition to the Board.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The seat will remain vacant.