On October 30, 2017 the Family and Human Services Committee (FHS) accepted the report from the Health Services Department addressing various mental health service issues and concerns raised by the FHS, the Board of Supervisors, the Mental Health Commission’s White Paper, the Civil Grand Jury, and members of the public. These issues and concerns centered upon the difficulty in accessing mental health care, particularly for children and youth experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Indicative to this lack of access was the 1) increase in Psychiatric Emergency Services visits, 2) long wait times to access care, and 3) shortage of clinical staff, especially psychiatrists. The Health Services Department report addressed these issues and concerns, and reported upon the initiatives and progress made to date.
The FHS asked the Department to provide an update to the Mental Health Commission in six months, and to the FHS annually thereafter. On July 26, 2021 the Health Services Department Behavioral Health Division presented the attached slides. The Family and Human Services Committee approved the department's report and asked that it be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for their information.
The report will be not be received.