By Reem Shahrouri
MHSOAC Health Program Specialist
Great news for the Amador County senior community as Amador County MHSA partners with Amador Senior Center to improve key services for seniors. The partnership seeks to increase social supports and reduce isolation for seniors in the area. Seniors represent a majority of county residents.
Also, additional funding will support three programs: Foothill Fitness, the Senior Peer Visitor Program, and the Senior Nutrition Program. As a result, the volume of new clients and volunteers should increase and provide educational opportunities for volunteers. Furthermore, transportation services will further minimize social isolation in the community.
The county is also planning to provide services to veterans and is exploring options to collect additional funds for Mental Health Outreach to veterans. Presently, Amador County received funding from the Department of Health Care Services for Homeless Mentally Ill Outreach & Treatment to support the donations for the Homeless Resource Fair. Part of these funds will be used for the Mobile Team Outreach and general services for the homeless.
Stephanie Hess, Amador Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) coordinator spoke recently about the county’s display at the county fair during Mental Health Awareness Month. She also announced the retirement of Linda Crabtree, the peer on the Mobile Support Team. Hess also mentioned that the Mobile Support Team will continue to provide exceptional customer service to clients. She said further that the Maternal Mental Health Innovation Project will start services this month and will provide mobile services to mothers in the county.
Vanessa Compton, Peer Personal Services coordinator, provided detailed information about the outstanding activities, outreach events, and materials the county prepared for the Mental Health Matters Month. Amador County’s astounding outreach efforts contributed to the offering of wide-ranging and comprehensive services to the senior population.
“We have so much to offer in Amador County, and I am so happy to make the connections and get the word out,” Compton said.
Approximately 20 committee members representing seniors, providers, peer advocates, the Latino community, and family members, as well as housing and education consultants, attended the May 2, 2019 meeting and provided pertinent updates. They also shared valuable program information and upcoming planned activities.