Mental Health Services Act Training Workshops Begin

(Santa Ana) – The transformation of Orange County’s public mental health system moves forward in April with a series of Training Workshops that are key to the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) planning process.

“We are excited that over 400 people have already applied to participate on MHSA workgroups,” said Mark Refowitz, County Mental Health Director. “These training workshops will ensure that everyone participating in the planning process has the same basic level of knowledge about the mental health system as we begin this important work.”

The workshops will be held:

• Monday, April 11 from 8 a.m.-12 Noon
  Fountain Valley Recreation Center - Social Hall A/B
  16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

• Friday, April 15 from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
  Orange County Hall of Administration Board Hearing Room
  10 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701

• Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Orange Senior Center
  170 South Olive, Orange, CA 92866

• Monday, April 18 from 1-5 p.m.
  Laguna Beach United Methodist Church
  21632 Wesley Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

• Friday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Fullerton Public Library
  353 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832

Mental health professionals, consumers, family members and others interested in participating in the MHSA planning process are asked to register for a workshop on the Health Care Agency Internet site at www.ochealthinfo.com/prop63/rsvp or by calling (714) 834-6023. Consumers and family members may request translation services and assistance with childcare and transportation when making their reservations. Continuing education credits will be offered to physicians, nurses and certain other licensed professionals completing the training.

The Mental Health Services Act, also known as Proposition 63, was approved by California voters in November 2004 and became law on January 1, 2005. Through the Mental Health Services Act, Orange County is expected to receive millions of dollars in funding to expand mental health services and develop innovative programs for mentally ill children, adults and older adults.

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