Board approves mental-health contract amendments; family members raise concerns about involuntary holds

The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to agreements with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services on March 13 to continue crisis-prevention hotline and survivor-support services and to implement program expenditures under the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63).

During public comment, family members of an individual who has been subject to multiple involuntary holds criticized the county's use of involuntary hospitalization and urged the board to oppose state legislation that would broaden the scope of involuntary holds (identified in the meeting as AB 2156). "The 51 50 must be viewed as a violation of a sacred and worthy protection of a human dignity," one speaker told the board. (Speaker requested the board decline the county legislative bulletin authorizing a position on AB 2156.)

County staff described the contracts and reported improved crisis-outcome measures. Supervisor Bartlett moved the Didi Hirsch item; the board approved the amendments after public comment and supervisors thanked agency personnel for work on crisis lines.

On legislative tracking, Peter DeMarco, the county’s legislative-affairs chief, said the office is monitoring bills that address homelessness and mental-health interventions and will report back. Mary Hale of the Health Care Agency said multiple bills are under review, including proposals that would broaden the legal threshold for some involuntary holds; agency staff said any request for a board position would be brought forward for consideration.

The board did not take a formal, binding position on AB 2156 at the meeting. The contract amendments were approved as presented; public objections and requests for additional oversight were recorded for follow-up and legislative monitoring.