Information About The Mental Health Services Act To Be Offered at Meeting in Laguna Hills

(Laguna Hills) – The public is invited to learn more about Proposition 63, The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), at a community meeting in Laguna Hills, to be held Thursday, February 3rd from 4-6 p.m. in Conference Room One (Basement) at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, 24451 Health Center Drive.

The Proposition 63 Community Meeting is an opportunity to discuss MHSA guidelines and outline a proposed planning process that will allow maximum participation by mental health consumers, families, providers, key agency partners, advocates and other stakeholders. One of the key elements will be the development of a MHSA Steering Committee and a number of working groups that will focus on individual parts of the initiative. Among those participating in the meeting will be Maureen Kochen, RN, County Mental Health Board Chairman; and Mark Refowitz, Health Care Agency Deputy Agency Director for Behavioral Health Services.

Proposition 63 was approved by California voters in November 2004 and became law on January 1, 2005, providing a unique opportunity to transform the public mental health system in Orange County. Through the Mental Health Services Act, local counties will receive funding to expand mental health services and develop innovative programs for mentally ill children, adults and older adults.

Free parking will be available in the visitor section of the Medical Center parking lot and light refreshments will be provided.

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