SANTA ANA, Calif. (June 25, 2024) – Approved at today’s Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Orange County Veterans Service Office (VSO) has been awarded a two-year $300,000 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) grant from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to continue mental health outreach for California veterans. This grant will be disbursed over two fiscal years (FY), with $150,000 allocated for FY 2024/2025 and FY 2025/2026.

“The County continues to look for ways to improve how we provide services to residents,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “This funding will increase awareness of available support to veterans, service members, and their families as they transition back to civilian life.”

“After completing their service, Orange County veterans need access to a wide range of services, including critical mental health resources,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. “The grant allows the VSO to bridge the gaps veterans face when accessing these essential services.”

Through the MHSA grant, the VSO will hire a Veterans Case Navigator (Navigator) to facilitate local coordination, provide case management, and establish connections to wraparound services, bridging gaps veterans may encounter when accessing mental health services. The Navigator will refer within the County’s current mental health system of care and focus on building community partnerships to improve engagement outcomes for veterans, military members, and their families. Goals include enhancing access to care by linking veterans with existing mental health and case management services, while also fostering partnerships with service providers and higher education institutions.

“As a County, we are committed to reaching underrepresented communities to ensure equitable access to services, including our veterans,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “By providing linkages to mental health support, we aim to help veterans access the care they need.”

“Through targeted outreach and additional one-on-one case management resources, the County aims to improve the well-being of those who bravely served our country,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “This grant will allow over 240 veterans to access vital mental health resources that will help them improve their lives and achieve greater stability.”

“This grant allows the County to expand services by linking veterans and their dependents to essential services through a case navigator,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “The number of veterans and their dependents accessing these resources must increase.”

For veterans and their dependents seeking assistance, please contact the Orange County Veterans Service Office at ocvso@occr.ocgov.com or (714) 480-6555. To meet with a Veterans Claims Representative, schedule an appointment at veterans.ocgov.com or walk in during VSO operating hours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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About Orange County Veterans Service Office:

The Orange County Veterans Service Office is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and assistance to veterans, military members, and their families. Through advocacy, outreach, and collaboration with community partners, the VSO strives to ensure veterans receive the benefits and services they deserve.