Consumer Advocacy Coalition Has Town Hall at Faulkner Gallery

The Consumer Advocacy Coalition, a recently formed group of mental health advocates, recently held a town hall meeting at the Santa Barbara Library, More than 120 people came, including a good amount of public officials in response to a shortfall in mental health funds at Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) anticipated for this coming year. Complicating matters is an investigation led Auditor-Controller Bob Geis of a County practice of over billing Medi-Cal for mental health services, perhaps as much as $31.5 million.

The coalition was formed by a client of mental health services, Roger Thompson, who has said publicly that he has bipolar disorder. ADMHS Medical Director Dr. Edwin Feliciano told Noozhawk that: “The community lacks an understanding of what mental illness is. We need to educate ourselves on what services are most effective.”

The organization hosts weekly meetings held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays at Unity House, 1626 Santa Barbara St. A second town hall has been scheduled for the North County on March 18 at the new Santa Maria Main Public Library.