SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This NPM will focus on planning, with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.   

Take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and tornados. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas. Unfortunately many Californias have been affected by wildfires this summer and in 2017. This is an important reminder to be ready when disaster strikes.

September 15th is the National Day of Action. For more information visit www.ready.gov.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the numerous California Wildfires

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Project Report from MHSOAC

 TOGETHER WE CAN: Reducing Criminal Justice Involvement for People with Mental Illness

California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) launched an eighteen month review of this issue and has just released the report, Together We Can: Reducing Criminal Justice Involvement for People with Mental Illness.

While not a comprehensive study of mental illness, it’s an actionable roadmap for change calling for California to make an immediate and strong commitment to address this complex issue. “One of the greatest policy failures of our time was dismantling our state mental health care institutions without having adequate community-based treatment in its place,” said MHSOAC Commissioner and Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “Our jails shouldn’t be used in place of treatment. We believe we should, and can, do better.”

News Release

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