For too long, Orange County lacked the resources to treat mental health illnesses and substance abuse disorders.

In 2015, through the Orange County Board of Supervisors Mental Health Ad Hoc Committee, we began examining mental health services in Orange County, working tirelessly to help build a better System of Care. 

This led to the creation of Be Well OC in 2018 – a transformative public-private partnership, bringing together public, private, academic, and faith-based organizations, as well as others, to create a coordinated system of mental health care and support for all Orange County residents.

Just a year ago we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Be Well OC Orange Campus. And just this month, we are getting ready to launch the virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony.

You can witness history-in-the-making at our Be Well OC Orange Campus virtual ribbon-cutting on January 13^th at noon by tuning in to Facebook or YouTube. 

This week, the OC Health Care Agency announce that recruitment is now open for one seat on the CalOptima Board of Directors.

The HCA is seeking applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests, and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public healthcare system.

To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Board of Directors, please complete an application by January 15th. Applications can be found on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.

Testing for COVID-19 is free for OC residents through the OC Health Agency.

If you are experiencing symptoms or believe you have been exposed, don’t hesitate to get a test.

Please visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-testing for locations and resources. 

Congratulations Samueli Academy seniors, Sam Naismith and Kaitlyn Nguyen, on winning the OC Human Relations’ “To Know Better” Anti-Hate Initiative Design Contest.

I look forward to seeing your project fully developed to promote the importance of diversity and eliminate prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination school-wide and even countywide. 

Click here to learn more about the contest.

In 2020, OCTA distributed over 444,000 face masks. We’re doing our best to keep you safe as you go where you need to go. Thank you to the dedicated drivers and staff for your tireless work. 

This week, I learned of the passing of former OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. My deepest condolences to Sheriff Hutchens’ family during this difficult time.

Sheriff Hutchens was an incredible public servant who dedicated her life to protecting the people of Orange County. I worked with her closely often in my role as County Supervisor and I appreciated her integrity and positive contributions to our communities. One thing I know for sure is that she will be dearly missed and well-remembered.

While we can’t celebrate and cut La Rosca de Reyes bread together this Epiphany Day, we can still share the joy of the holiday with our families at home. Wishing a meaningful evening to all who celebrate today!