The State of California Department of Veterans Affairs awarded the Orange County Veterans Service Office (OCVSO) and Veterans Legal Institute (VSI) a $49,000 grant in support of mental health outreach and support services for California veterans.

The awarded funds will be used to provide outreach and continue a free monthly legal clinic hosted at OCVSO in its efforts to remove legal barriers preventing transitioning service members, veterans, and their families’ access to mental and physical health care.

“One of our priorities is to provide direct legal aid to our transitioning and former service members who otherwise could not afford it due to unemployment, underemployment, or homelessness,” said Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor. “The County strives to provide continuous services to the residents who need it most and is committed to pursuing funding opportunities that make this possible.”

Orange County represents the fourth largest veteran population in Southern California. Through discharge upgrades, expungements, and other legal interventions, clients will gain access to or maintain their mental and physical health care. OCVSO will leverage existing offices, its online presence, and collaborations to ensure clients receive a wide range of information and referrals based on evidence-based best practices.

Monthly clinics are held every second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Clients and/or their family members can make appointments by emailing ocvso@occr.ocgov.com. The OCVSO office is located at 1300 S. Grand Avenue, Room 247, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Potential clients can learn more about the clinic by visiting the OCVSO website at www.veterans.ocgov.com.