For Immediate Release
April 30, 2003

Contact: Judy Griset (714) 834-5481

Public Forum Addresses Mental Health Issues

(Santa Ana)  To hear about public concerns and suggestions for mental health services in Orange County, the public is invited to attend a forum on Thursday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Hall of Administration, Board of Supervisors & Planning Commission Meeting Room located at 10 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana.

Sponsored by the Orange County Mental Health Board, the hearing will provide an open forum for clients and family members, mental health professionals and interested community members to voice their thoughts or concerns or pose questions about mental illness. One in five families is affected by mental illness and if left untreated, mental illness can affect relationships and may even lead to suicide.

“May is Mental Health Month and it provides an excellent opportunity to remind us that mental illness is a brain disease, not unlike any other physical illness that affects at least one of five people, personally or through a family member,” said Julie Poulson, Health Care Agency Director.

Mental Health Month highlights the importance of educating the public about mental illness and emphasizes ways to reduce the stigma involved with the illness.

The free event is open to all community members interested in providing comments and/or suggestions on mental illness and the stigma of mental illness in Orange County. For further information about the forum, please call (714) 834-5481.