WHEREAS, there is a significant need for community-based mental health services in San Francisco; and
WHEREAS, San Franciscans with mental illness that rely on the Department of Public Health for treatment tend to be multiply-diagnosed with substance abuse disorders, homelessness, and/or acute or chronic health conditions; and
WHEREAS, a system of care that provides an integrated model of service delivery has been proven to be effective in persons with multiple and complex needs; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health’s Strategic Plan prioritizes care and prevention services to specific target populations, including the mentally ill; and
WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2002-03, the San Francisco Department of Public Health provided mental health services to more than 22,000 people and the numbers increase each year; and
WHEREAS, current allocations of State and federal funding for these services are insufficient to meet the demand for mental health services in San Francisco; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, will expand access to mental health services for children, adults, and older adults currently disabled by mental illness, persons showing signs of mental illness in need of prevention services, and to families and caregivers of those affected; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 63 is estimated to raise in excess of $750 million annually for these critical mental health programs; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 63 will appear on the November 2, 2004 California ballot; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors passed Resolution Numbers 631-03 and 638-03 in support of Proposition 63 and
WHEREAS, Mayor Newsom was the first Mayor to support Proposition 63; and
WHEREAS, working in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office to increase the City’s advocacy efforts related to the health care safety net is identified as a strategy for the Department to pursue as part of the approved Strategic Plan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Health Commission of the City and County of San Francisco supports Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, in accordance with the Department’s Strategic Plan, that the Health Commission directs the Director of Health to provide the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office with the information and support they need to effectively educate and advocate in support of Proposition 63.
I hereby certify that the San Francisco Health Commission at its meeting of September 7, 2004 adopted the foregoing resolution.
Michele M. Olson, Executive Secretary to the Health Commission