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Behavioral Health Meeting |
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 |
 Amador County – Nearly 100 clients, volunteers and professionals interested in mental well-being filled the conference room of the Amador County Behavioral Health Services Department Tuesday for a planning “kickoff” meeting, to start a planning process to prepare the county for state income tax funding due over the next few years from Proposition 63. Senior program associate Kayce Rane said “the turnout is indicative of the interest in behavioral health services” in the community, and the interest in the “opportunity to transform the system of care available to be more integrated, wellness-centered, and responsive to behavioral health issues.” She said about half of those attending had previously worked on planning for Mental Health Services Act funding. But about 1/4th of attendees said it was their first involvement in the process. Rane and Jennifer Susskind led the workshop, in which smaller groups work on visions and told of strengths and weaknesses they saw in Amador. Susskind said: “You are the experts. We are here to listen as you provide us with good ideas.” Susskind said she appreciated one lofty goal of having unlimited funding in 10 years, noted that others were also realistic. She said the next step is to “provide a nexus for need” and “create strategies that respond to needs.” She said “it’s not good enough to have good ideas. (They) have to show that these good ideas really work.” One attendee said “peer-based counseling” works, and hoped consultants could “change from needing evidence-based practices to practice-based evidence.” The RDA timeline includes an August needs assessment, a document review, focus groups, interviews and surveys. In September, they’ll work on strategy development, with round-tables and work-groups, and do “best practice research.” In November, they plan strategy prioritization with community meetings, and in December they will draft the plan for: workforce development activities, new information technology systems, behavioral health facilities, supportive housing and unique and innovative behavioral health practices. They will also fast-track a plan for “Prevention and Early Intervention program” funding, Susskind said, because the funding from 2006-2007 reverts back to the state on June 30th of 2010. Amador County needs a plan in place to receive the funds. She said the county is due about $5.7 million dollars in Proposition 63 funding over the next 3 years, for the different areas mental health services. She said Amador has not yet lost any funds. The PEI fast-tracking will have separate meetings and should begin shortly, as the plan must be submitted by December. For information, call 223-6814. Story by Jim Reece
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Last Updated ( Friday, 14 August 2009 )
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