County seeks public’s ideas for mental health and substance abuse programs

County health officials said Friday they’re seeking input from the public and professionals on the types of mental health and substance abuse programs that are needed in the region.

The county Health and Human Services Agency has set up a dozen public forums around the area, beginning Monday, Oct. 5, in Escondido.

According to the health agency, the information gathered will help determine how to spend federal and state funding, including revenue from the Mental Health Services Act, which was approved by state voters in 2004. The act imposes a 1 percent tax on personal income above $1 million for the creation of new mental health programs statewide.

The first forum is scheduled for Monday at 9 a.m. in the county’s Escondido Live Well Center, 649 W. Mission Ave.

Other sessions next week are:

• Tuesday at 9 a.m., La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive;

• Wednesday at 6 p.m., New Creation Church of San Diego, 3115 Altadena Ave.; and

• Thursday at 6 p.m., Park Avenue Community Center in Escondido, 210 Park Ave.

Forums will run through Oct. 30.

People living with mental illness and substance abuse issues, their families and behavioral health services providers are welcome, the agency said.

Registration is requested at www.up2sd.org.