SANTA ANA, Calif. (June 25, 2024) – Approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors today, Orange County Veterans Services Office (VSO) has been awarded a two-year, $300,000 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) grant from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to continue its mental health outreach to California veterans. The grant will be awarded over two fiscal years, with $150,000 allocated in each of the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 fiscal years.
“The County continues to look for ways to improve how we serve our residents,” said Supervisor Chairman Donald P. Wagner, District 3. “This funding will increase awareness of the assistance available to veterans, military members and their families as they transition back into civilian life.”
“Orange County veterans need access to a wide range of services, including critical mental health resources, after completing their military service,” said Supervisor Vice Chair Doug Chaffee, District 4. “This grant will enable VSO to close the gaps veterans face in accessing these critical services.”
Through the MHSA grant, VSO will hire Veterans Case Navigators (Navigators) to facilitate community coordination, provide case management and establish connections to comprehensive services to close gaps veterans may encounter when accessing mental health services. Navigators will make referrals within the county’s current mental health care system and focus on building community partnerships to improve engagement outcomes for veterans, military personnel and their families. Goals include connecting veterans to existing mental health and case management services to enhance access to care, as well as fostering partnerships with service providers and higher education institutions.
“As a county, we are committed to ensuring equal access to services for under-represented communities, including veterans,” said Supervisor Andrew Dorr, District 1. “By providing links to mental health support, we aim to help veterans get the care they need.”
“Through targeted outreach and additional individualized case management resources, the County aims to improve the well-being of those who have bravely served our country,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, District 2. “This grant will allow more than 240 veterans to access critical mental health resources that will help them improve their lives and achieve greater stability.”
“This grant will allow the county to expand services by connecting veterans and their dependents to essential services through our case navigators,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, District 5. “The number of veterans and their dependents accessing these resources must increase.”
Veterans and their dependents seeking assistance can contact the Orange County Veterans Services Office at ocvso@occr.ocgov.com or (714) 480-6555. To meet with a VA claims representative, make an appointment at veterans.ocgov.com or come in during VSO business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8am-4pm, and Tuesday, 9:30am-4pm.
About the Orange County Veterans Services Office:
The Orange County Veterans Services Office is committed to providing comprehensive support and assistance to veterans, military personnel and their families. Through advocacy, outreach and collaboration with community partners, VSO strives to ensure veterans receive the benefits and services they deserve.
Related
