Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Appointment to the Behavioral Health Commission (fka Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the appointment of Desiree Perez to the Behavioral Health Commission, representing Family member, for an initial term ending September 30, 2028.
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BACKGROUND:
The Behavioral Health Commission reviews and evaluates the County’s mental health and substance abuse disorders needs, services, facilities and special problems. The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director on any aspect of the local mental health program, reviews and approves procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process and submits an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on the needs and performance of the County's mental health system.
The Commission consists of 22 members,19 of whom are appointed by the Board of Supervisors representing family members, consumers/clients, professionals and interested residents. With respect to the remaining three members, one shall be a member of the Board of Supervisors, and two shall be members of the County’s Youth Commission. By State law, at least 50% of the 19 members appointed by the Board must be consumers or family members of consumers of mental health services. Per BHC Bylaws, one (1) member shall be a representative of law enforcement who shall be selected by the local chiefs of police.
On May 20, 2025, Resolution 081162 was passed by the Board amending the commission’s bylaws to reflect the inclusion of one (1) required Client Youth seat within the existing Consumer/Client membership, and the inclusion of a new category of one (1) Public Education seat within the existing 19 appointed members, in accordance with a 2024 amendment to the Welfare and Institutions Code.
DISCUSSION:
The Executive Committee of the Behavioral Health Commission supports recommendation of the above nominee. Desiree Perez is recommended to represent as a Family member, a consumer/client/family member seat formerly held Chris Rasmussen.
Desiree Perez is a San Mateo County community member who is passionate for advocating for behavioral health services for her family member. Her family member, who has struggled with PTSD and paranoid schizophrenia over the last 5 years, has had difficulty seeking services. Desiree wishes to advocate for more transparency within the BHRS system around provider information and funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.