MHSA places a lot of emphasis on consumer and family involvement. What does that mean in Contra Costa?
A. Contra Costa County already has a long history of consumer and family member involvement in the design, delivery and oversight of mental health services. We will continue and increase this. You will see more consumers and family members in paid positions within the county, in community agencies working with the county to implement MHSA, and on governing bodies. Our commitment to involving consumers includes our expansion of the Office for Consumer Empowerment (OCE). Using Systems Development Funds, OCE will be expanding its training program to better prepare consumers to work in the mental health field. Consumers and families are also becoming increasingly involved in driving their own course of recovery. This type of involvement is essential to long lasting recovery. MHSA supports this with its emphasis on Person-Centered Care Plans and on peer-led and family-led recovery supports.
