Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Noelia Corzo, District 2
Subject: Appointments to the Behavioral Health Commission (fka Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for appointments to the Behavioral Health Commission:
A) Allen Bustos, representing Family member for an existing partial term ending September 30, 2024; and
B) Ryan Lopez, representing Family member, for an initial full term ending September 30, 2026; and
C) Victoria Yu, representing Family member, for an initial full term ending September 30, 2026; and
D) Daniel Keohane, representing Public, for an initial full term ending September 30, 2026.
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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:
Allen Bustos is being recommended to serve an initial partial term ending September 30, 2024 on a seat vacated mid-term by Noel Vest. He is a student at San Francisco State University working towards his bachelor’s degree in health education. Allen is a member of the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission. He has volunteered with the Filipino Mental Health Initiatives in San Mateo County and San Francisco, the Filipino Community Center, and the SOMA Pilipinas. Allen is looking to expand his knowledge in behavioral health and advocate for those with lived experience with substance use and mental health challenges. He would like to be a voice for the marginalized community and contribute to a greater cause.
Ryan Lopez has interned as a Youth Ambassador with ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Sonar) since 2019. He’s volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank and has been an advocate to provide eco-friendly changes in the Half Moon Bay Area to combat climate change. Ryan is a Politics Major with a passion for law and his goal is to receive his Juris Doctor and open a law firm. He is passionate about his coastside community and is looking to help reduce addictions within the community.
Victoria Yu’s passion for behavioral health is informed by her personal experience dealing with her family’s struggles. The challenge of navigating the mental health system inspired her to become an advocate for individuals and families needing mental health services. Her background in working with diverse stakeholders grounded her in the belief that collaboration and teamwork are essential in achieving an organization’s objectives.
Daniel Keohane was on the San Mateo County Grand Jury and is a volunteer at Mills-Peninsula Hospital in the Behavioral Health Department. He hosts weekly zoom meetings for Mills aftercare and chairs the Mills Recovery Alliance. Daniel would like to offer his experience as well as learn how behavioral health and the Mental Health Services are working within the County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.