San Diego County Consumer Technology Access Survey

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)- Proposition 63 provides funding for services and resources that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency for adults and older adults with severe mental illness and for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their family members. A portion of the MHSA funds have been specifically set aside for Capital Facilities and Technological Needs to promote the efficient implementation of the MHSA; San Diego County is expected to receive about $28 million in one time funding for both areas.

The planned use of the Capital Facilities and Technological Needs funds should produce long term impacts with lasting benefits that move the mental health system towards the goals of wellness, recovery, resiliency, cultural competence, prevention/early intervention, and expansion of opportunities for accessible community-based services for clients and their families which promote reduction in disparities to underserved groups. These efforts include development of a variety of technology uses and strategies and/or of community-based facilities which support integrated service experiences that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Funds may also be used to develop a technological infrastructure for the mental health system to facilitate the highest quality, cost-effective services and supports for clients and their families.

One of the main goals of the MHSA Technology Plan is to increase consumer and family empowerment by providing the tools for secure consumer and family access to health information within a wide variety of public and private settings. To help in the assessment and development of our plan we have developed the attached survey to gain participation from consumers and family members. Community input will help the County to better understand the technological needs and barriers facing consumers and families, develop the local MHSA Technology Plan and improve access to mental health information.