To enhance mental health and support suicide prevention efforts, and in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Vice Chairman Andrew Do and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett have partnered to create the first ever Orange County Office of Suicide Prevention.
“Orange County has been battling an upward trend in suicides for years,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “COVID-19 has only exacerbated the root causes of suicides, like mental illness and substance abuse. The Office of Suicide Prevention will be yet another avenue of support for people in need, alongside our new regional Wellness Hubs where residents can access mental health services regardless of insurance.”
The Office of Suicide Prevention will collaborate with Mind OC to bolster the Community Suicide Prevention Initiative (CSPI), which was approved by the Board in March of 2019, and will be responsible for integrating new and existing services and support throughout the entire County.
“With the onset of COVID-19, this year has been extremely stressful and emotional for many people, especially those already struggling with mental health issues,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “Now, more than ever, people who are having a hard time coping and may be contemplating suicide, need that additional support to get them through this difficult time,” she continued. The Office of Suicide Prevention, together with the new BeWellOC campus opening later this year, will provide critical components to the holistic system of care for mental and behavioral health,” she said.
The item will come before the Board on Tuesday, October 6, for review and consideration.
Category Archives: Lisa Bartlett
Supervisor Do proposes a plan deliver to $101M to O.C. businesses and residents
On Friday, Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District, and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District, released their $101 million HEART Plan to deliver a much-needed boost to Orange County small businesses, community service programs, and residents. The Plan supports Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee’s suggestion at the May 12th Special Board meeting, that the Board consider a plan which allows for the equal distribution of funds amongst the five supervisorial districts.
The HEART Plan is consistent with the CARES Act and federal guidance. It provides a comprehensive and responsible approach to meet the most urgent needs facing Orange County.
- Help for small businesses that currently remain closed
- Expenditures to support communities affected by COVID-19
- Assistance to nonprofits providing direct services to Orange County residents
- Reimbursement to Orange County cities for direct COVID-19 expenses
- Temporary food assistance for vulnerable and at-risk populations
The primary purpose of CARES Act funding is to meet the core public health and safety challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice Chairman Do and Supervisor Bartlett strongly support the County Executive Officer’s analysis that $453 million of the $554 million of CARES Act funding allocated to Orange County is needed for vital COVID-19 response functions.
Vice Chairman Do and Supervisor Bartlett are proposing the HEART Plan to dedicate the remaining $101 million of CARES Act funds toward economic support services. The HEART Plan takes into account County obligations to provide an effective public health and safety response, the potential for additional funding coming to municipalities under the HEROES Act, and the State’s May Budget Revise.
The HEART Plan will be considered by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 19th.