Behavioral Health Services Board

As a member of our community, you can help us make a difference in the lives of our clients and their family members. Maybe you are a client or family member or have other personal experience with mental illness. Perhaps you hold an office or a position of influence or authority in Siskiyou County. Or maybe you are just someone who cares. No matter your reason, one of the most important ways you can help us serve our clients is by becoming a member of the Siskiyou County Behavioral Health Services Board.

Mental Health Boards are established by state law (California Welfare and Institutions Code, Sections 5604, 5604.2, and 5651). Among other duties, the Behavioral Health Board (BHB) is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the community’s mental health needs, services, special problems and facilities. The BHB advises Siskiyou County government and the Board of Supervisors, the Agency Director, and other concerned stakeholders about Behavioral Health’s programs. In addition, the BHB has the authority to review agreements entered into pursuant to the California Welfare and Institutions Code 5650; specifically, the annual county mental health services performance contract with the California Department of Mental Health. This contract tells the Behavioral Health Division what we must do in order to be compliant with the requirements necessary for Medi-Cal reimbursement. The BHB receives special training from the State of California in order to fulfill its important advisory role. In addition, the Behavioral Health Division reports periodically to the BHB regarding important issues, such as the fiscal budget, grievances, program development, quality management and outreach. The BHB is then better able to offer feedback, suggestions and support to the Agency. Dialogue with the BHB is one of the most important tools the Agency has to keep in touch with the community’s needs.

Any Siskiyou County resident may be considered for membership on the BHB which is comprised of up to 15 members, three from each of the five supervisorial districts. Membership must include at least 50% mental health services consumers and family members. Members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a three- year term and the BOS currently authorizes 11 members including 1 BOS member. The BHB’s meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m., at 2060 Campus Drive, Yreka; visit the County calendar for exact dates. They are open to the public and public comment is invited. For more information about the Behavioral Health Board, call Kris Hargrove at 530-841-4281.

Other Ways You Can Help Behavioral Health

• Look for mental health events and announcements about meetings, support groups, training opportunities and public service events that need support from community members. Information is published on this web site in the County Calendar, the Siskiyou Daily News, Mount Shasta Herald, Weed Press, Dunsmuir News, the Supersaver newspaper, flyers and broadcast on local television stations.
• Join Behavioral Health’s Quality Improvement Committee. This group of agency staff, clients and family members ensures that the Agency operates in compliance with federal, state and local regulations as well as best professional practices and helps the Agency strive towards high quality, culturally competent service delivery. Call Ashley Bray, Quality Assurance Manager, at 530-841-4100 for more information.