(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a public education campaign to transform how Orange County (OC) residents respond to mental health crises for themselves or for someone in their lives. Outdoor boards, digital ads, and in-language radio and newspapers will inform residents to call the HCA’s crisis line, (855) OC Links or (855) 625-4657, for urgent specialized mental health services, rather than defaulting to calling 9-1-1.
The “First Responders for Mental Health Campaign” aims to promote dedicated resources for mental health emergencies including the crisis line, mobile crisis unit, and warm line support. Collaborating with HCA’s Behavioral Health Services, the campaign will share essential information on recognizing mental health crises and accessing appropriate services.
“Orange County is proud to provide extensive behavioral health services that meet the needs of our community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, OC Board of Supervisors, Third District. “The Board and I have supported innovative initiatives, like the Crisis Care Mobile Unit, and this campaign will ensure that residents know how to quickly access these vital resources in moments of crisis.”
Key Objectives Include:
- Redefining Emergency Response: Educate the public on using the HCA’s crisis line instead of 9-1-1.
- Promoting Crisis Resources: Raise awareness of HCA’s Mobile Crisis Response unit, available 24/7, and the warm line for non-urgent support. Trained mental health navigators specializing in mental health disorders, homelessness, or substance use disorders could be dispatched to provide support, information, screening and connect those in crises with the needed level of care.
- Defining Mental Health Crisis: Explain what constitutes a mental health crisis.
- Access and Awareness: Provide clear information on accessing available and responsive resources. Residents can reach OC Links, at (855) 625-4657 or via live chat at www.ochealthinfo.com/oclinks. Both services are available 24/7.
“Addressing mental health crises requires a compassionate response,” said Ian Kemmer, Director of Behavioral Health. “Our campaign empowers residents to seek appropriate support through dedicated services, ensuring individuals receive the specialized care they may need in a time of crisis.”
The Mental Health Crisis Public Education Campaign is a vital initiative by the HCA’s Behavioral Health Services to reframe responses to mental health emergencies, ensuring every resident has access to appropriate and responsive support.
For more information about the campaign and available resources, please visit OC Navigator.
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ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. HCA Behavioral Health Services’ mission is to prevent substance abuse and/or mental health crisis; when signs are present, to intervene early and appropriately; and when assessments indicate that treatment is required to provide the right type of treatment, at the right place, by the right person/program to help individuals achieve and maintain the highest quality of health and wellness. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
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