Mental Health Issues to Be Discussed at Public Forum

(Santa Ana) – Mental health services for children and older adults will be the focus of this year’s Public Forum to be held by the Orange County Mental Health Board on Thursday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the County Hall of Administration, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana.

“May is Mental Health Month and we hope that mental health clients, family members and others interested in mental health will take this opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with us,” said Mark Refowitz, Health Care Agency Deputy Director for Behavioral Health Services. “At least one in every five families is affected by mental illness, and this annual Forum helps us to identify opportunities to better serve the people of Orange County. At the same time, we must face the realities of limited resources and budget constraints that limit our ability to provide these needed services.”

This year’s Forum will follow the theme “Bridging The Gap,” and will focus on gaps in services for local children and older adults. However, the Mental Health Board meeting provides an open forum for individuals to discuss services for people of all ages, voice their suggestions or concerns and even pose questions about mental illness.

Mental Health Month highlights the importance of educating the public about mental illness and emphasizes ways to reduce the stigma involved with mental illness. The free event is open to all community members and more information about the forum is available by calling (714) 834-5481.

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