Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President Dave Pine, District 1
Subject: Reappointment to the Behavioral Health Commission (fka Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the reappointment of Chris Rasmussen, representing Family member, to the Behavioral Health Commission, for a second 3-year term from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2025.
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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.
DISCUSSION:
Chris Rasmussen has served on the Behavioral Health Commission since his first full term began in 2019 through September 30, 2022. Chris is being recommended to serve for a second term effective October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2025.
Chris Rasmussen is a retired Police Officer with over 30 years of experience and has worked as a Homeless Outreach Coordinator with community members who were at an elevated risk for experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs), mental disorders, trauma, medical conditions, employment challenges, and incarceration. Chris was a certified CA POST Instructor and has trained Law Enforcement personnel for over 20 years including being certified as an expert in Use of force and homeless /mental health issues.
Chris is currently the Chair of the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission, and has worked on a variety of Commission projects and programs. He is also the President of the Board of Directors for NAMI San Mateo County, was recently the President of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League, and has worked with Downtown Streets Team as the Chair of the Community Advisory Council in their mission to provide a pathway to recovery from homelessness.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.