To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Report Title: RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DOUGLAS DUNN – HONORING HIS YEARS OF HUMBLE SERVICE AND UNWAVERING ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REFORM IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DOUGLAS DUNN – HONORING HIS YEARS OF HUMBLE SERVICE AND UNWAVERING ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REFORM IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
None
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
body
IN THE MATTER OF RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DOUGLAS DUNN – HONORING HIS YEARS OF HUMBLE SERVICE AND UNWAVERING ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REFORM IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA.
WHEREAS, Douglas William Dunn was born on October 24, 1952, known to many as Doug. He dedicated his life to advocating for Mental and Behavioral Health reform; and
WHEREAS, Doug was a passionate and steadfast advocate for mental health awareness, tirelessly working to break the stigma surrounding mental illness; and
WHEREAS, He was devoted to his wife Linda and worked with her for many years as a Family to Family teacher; and
WHEREAS, he was one of the most informed community advocates who attended state meetings, read documents, analyzed data and then spoke from the heart and with passion about the need to support people with serious mental health challenges to live a life outside of institutions and in community with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, through his voice, compassion, and quiet determination, Doug served as a beacon of hope for those struggling in silence, offering encouragement, understanding, and unwavering support; and
WHEREAS, even with little fanfare or recognition, Doug made a lasting impact on individuals and communities, showing that small acts of kindness and advocacy can lead to powerful change; and
WHEREAS, his efforts helped to spark important conversations around mental well-being, resilience, and the need for accessible mental health resources for all. He was instrumental in bringing Laura’s Law to Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of Doug lives on in those he supported, inspired, and uplifted, reminding us all of the power of empathy, listening, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, in addition to Mental Health Commissioner as the Chair of the Finance Committee; Doug was a fierce Mental Health Advocate and served on the NAMI CC board in the role of 1st Vice President. Doug was charged with sharing legislative updates at NAMI monthly board and general meetings.
WHERAS, Doug spearheaded NAMI’s efforts to have the Assisted Outpatient Treatment offered in this county. In 2017 Doug Dunn was hired by NAMI CC as a valuable member of our Family Volunteer Network staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, honor the life and legacy of Douglas Dunn, celebrating his contribution to serving his family, friends and the community in Contra Costa County and across California.
end