Orange County Approves Suicide Prevention Initiative
Last week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors committed $600,000 of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) monies for the creation of a countywide suicide prevention program. This funding will be given to MindOC, the fiscal entity of Be Well Orange County, an initiative bringing together public, private, academic and faith-based organizations, as well as others, to create a coordinated system of mental healthcare and support for all Orange County residents.
In recent years, suicide rates and mental health related hospitalizations have increased throughout Orange County. The County’s per-capita rate of suicide increased 45 percent between the three-year periods of 1999 to 2001 and 2011 to 2013. This compares to an average increase of 22 percent nationwide during the same time frame, and was the largest increase in any metropolitan county in the U.S.
“Addressing mental health in our County has never been more important than right now. We need to expand our mental health services and make our community aware that there is help, and where there is help, there is hope,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children and youth between the ages of 10 and 24. In Orange County, teen suicides averaged 13.3 deaths per year over the past 10-year period. Suicide is a leading cause of non-natural death for youth and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 19 years old. In Orange County, suicides accounted for 29% of non-natural deaths, making it the second leading cause of non-natural death behind motor vehicle collisions. This is higher than the statewide average in California, in which 22% of deaths among teens were due to suicides.
Community Spotlight: The Assistance League of Santa Ana
Just a few blocks from Downtown Santa Ana, is a hidden gem that has been monumental in transforming the lives of children through community programs.
The Assistance League of Santa Ana is a non-profit organization solely run by volunteers who are committed to leaving a long-term presence in the community through hands-on involvement and innovative philanthropic programs.
With over 120 Assistance League chapters in 26 states across the country, the Santa Ana chapter has enriched our community since 1937. Some of the programs offered include: Operation School Bell, Gift of Giving, Dental Center, College Scholarships, Assisteens, Head Start, Eyeglass Program, and the Assistance League of Santa Ana Thrift Store.
Its philanthropic programs make a difference in the lives of children every day. The beautifully kept Thrift Shop on First and Olive Street is a year-round fundraising activity that helps sustain the chapter’s philanthropies while offering low cost clothing, housewares, furniture, books, etc. to the community.
In addition to all the wonderful programs that the Assistance League provides, the volunteers immerse themselves in the community by creating partnerships with local companies and corporations, inviting speakers at their monthly meetings, and attend Chamber meetings and other volunteer recognition events to better understand the needs of the community.
The volunteers’ hard work and dedication is what sets them apart in our community. They strive to stay true to their roots so that they can continue to provide all of their services for years to come.
Incoming Assistance League President Susan Dobak and Current Chair of the Dental Center Gretchen Daley.
Assistance League Past President Joyce Rohrbaugh in the thrift store.
91-year-old member, Gloria Mellama volunteering in the thrift store.
OCTA Delivering on Promises to Taxpayers
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is delivering transportation improvements in accordance with its promises to voters who overwhelming renewed a half-cent sales tax for improvements in 2006.
That’s according to the independent review findings presented this week to the OCTA Board of Directors, which Supervisor Do serves on, that assessed the performance of how these Measure M funds, known as OC Go, are being used.
The report indicates that the funds are being spent efficiently and transparently to improve Orange County transportation by relieving freeway congestion, fixing potholes, synchronizing traffic signals, enhancing transit and helping the environment by reducing air and water pollution.
The report also shows OCTA’s many accomplishments to date with the measures including:
43.6 new freeway lane miles; five reconstructed interchanges; seven railroad grade crossings; and eight Metrolink grade crossings or station improvements completed
96 million bus boardings provided to seniors and people with disabilities
$342 million toward improving local transportation infrastructure
6.2 million cubic feet of trash collected before reaching Orange County waterways, and 1,300 acres of land that was eligible for development instead preserved as open space
Orange County’s Measure M was initially approved in 1990 and renewed in 2006, providing a reliable revenue stream for transportation improvements through 2041.
The original measure made possible more than $4 billion worth of transportation improvements to help Orange County residents, workers and visitors travel more efficiently throughout all parts of the county.
Congratulations to our “New Internet User” Graduates!
This past week, we recognized the Saddleback High School’s “New Internet User” graduates, Spanish-speaking parents who received internet and computer training. Some parents made pie graphs to show their household budgets while others did PowerPoint slides. The participants feel confident and empowered that they can now help their kids. Larry Ortega, Founder of the nonprofit Community Union, Inc. offers the 20-hour training as well as offers refurbished computers to graduates of the program. Also, thanks to Principal Edward Bustamante for committing to hosting more of these classes!
Pet of the Week
Meet Fenway! Handsome Fenway is OC Animal Care’s longest term resident. He's been at OC Animal Care since January of 2018 and is dreaming of finding his fur-ever family. He would love to go to training with you where he could learn leash manners and become the best dog that he can be. He loves going for walks and would be a great hiking buddy. Fenway would do best as the only pet in the home and enjoys getting endless amounts of back scratches. Staff and Volunteers at the shelter love Fenway, but it's time he finds his fur-ever companion and settles down in a wonderful and loving home!
