For too long, Orange County has lacked the resources to treat mental health illnesses and substance use disorders. Today we broke ground on the #BeWellOC Campus which will be the first visible sign of the seismic change that is taking place for mental health and wellness in Orange County. It fills me with happiness that this new facility will support patients and families struggling with mental illnesses by getting them the care they need.

Orange County is building a beacon and illuminating a hopeful path forward for our community.

I would like to thank CalOptima, Hoag Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, St. Jude Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, OC Health, and all our partners for making today such a success.

Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness in a given year.

Last Tuesday, during the Board of Supervisors' meeting, I was proud that the Board presented a resolution recognizing the official launch of StigmaFreeOC.com.

Stigma Free OC is a movement that aims to stamp out the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders. Take the first step and pledge to help create a community where affected individuals are supported.

Thank you to OC Health and the OC Mental Health Board for continuing to address mental health in our County.

October 10 was World Mental Health Day. Do your part to help and take the pledge to be stigma free at StigmaFreeOC.com. I took the pledge and joined the #StigmaFreeOC movement and urge you all to do the same!

California also recently launched its first toll-free statewide mental health line. The line offers non-emergency emotional support and referrals to anyone in the state needing mental health help. If you or someone you know needs support, call the health line at 1-855-845-7415.

Last Saturday, Santa Ana College celebrated its Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Inductees included stellar athletes like the 1999 Men’s Soccer Team, who gave SAC its first national championship with an undefeated 25 - 0 - 0 record. These gentlemen, along with many of the other inductees, have gone on to become doctors, business owners, and educators in their communities. Congratulations to all the distinguished athletes and coaches!

Code Ninjas teaches children valuable STEM skills such as coding, math, logic, robotics, and more by helping them create their own video games! Last Wednesday Code Ninjas opened its newest location in Garden Grove. Thanks for helping OC parents prepare their kids for the future!

Access to new facilities and technology is crucial for our students’ success. Last Thursday, my staff presented a certificate of recognition in honor of John Muir Fundamental Elementary School’s groundbreaking for state-of-the-art classrooms. I’m so proud to see our OC youth get new facilities to help them achieve their potential.

Last Thursday, I joined the Monterrey Villas Neighborhood Association at their regular meeting to give an update on what the County has been doing to improve the quality of life in the First District. As with many other residents, homelessness and mental health were some of their top concerns. From new permanent supportive housing to our first Be Well OC Wellness Center and a number of other initiatives, we’re doing more now to address these issues than ever before. Thank you, President Jay Kubik and your Board for the invitation!

Are you passionate about behavioral health? OC Health wants to hear YOUR recommendations on how to improve behavioral health services in Orange County. You can attend one of the upcoming community engagement meetings and share your thoughts! For more information, check out their website at http://bit.ly/31dhooH.

When: October 15 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Saddleback High School – 2802 S. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92707

When: October 19 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Scholarship Prep Charter School – 1010 W. 17^th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706

When: October 27 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM  

Where: Freedom Hall at Mile Square Park – 16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708