Lunch and Learn: How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the mental health needs of Santa Barbara County?

Please join a lunchtime talk with Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, Chief Quality Care and Strategy Officer, with Santa Barbara County's Department of Behavioral Wellness. 

Globally and nationally the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected many people’s mental health and created new challenges for people already suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. In order to ascertain and respond to needs locally, the County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with community mental health and wellness partners and stakeholders, developed a survey and invited the whole community to respond.  The County Board of Supervisors authorized the use of federal ARPA funding (American Rescue Plan Act) to: 1) to assess the mental and substance use needs resulting from COVID-19, and 2) to develop a plan to implement strategies to address identified priority service areas. Data gathered through the survey is being used to identify priority service needs and tailor services to meet the individualized needs of community members. 

Suzanne Grimmesey will present the survey results and provide information about how the county's plans to support the mental health needs of the community members. 

*Please note CEs will not be provided for this presentation.