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Board approves Angels marketing contract for behavioral‑health outreach over objections
Summary
After public criticism, the board voted 3–2 to approve a reduced advertising and outreach contract that will put behavioral‑health messaging on Angels platforms; some supervisors said the campaign reaches family members and caregivers, while others argued funds would be better used in direct clinical or community settings.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Angels Baseball to run behavioral‑health outreach and marketing, despite public criticism from community members who questioned the effectiveness and past accountability of similar sponsorship agreements.
A public commenter said the county’s prior $9 million contract with the team produced little measured result and asked the board for clearer accountability metrics. ‘‘When I asked for an accountability of what that $9,000,000 resulted in, I received…a detailed list of what date the checks were mailed. That is not a metric that really makes any sense,’’ the commenter told the board.
Supporters of the contract argued advertising at sports venues reaches caregivers and family members who may then connect loved ones to county resources. Supervisor Wagner cited a staff survey of more than 2,800 responses indicating sports venues can be effective outreach venues and moved the item; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote, 3–2.
Opponents urged redirecting scarce behavioral‑health dollars to community clinics and to improving county platforms (OC Navigator, OC Links, 2‑1‑1) so callers who do arrive at county web pages find clearer, streamlined access to care. ‘‘These monies could be better spent…where they have more direct contact with people living homeless or with mental health and substance use issues,’’ a public speaker said.
The contract adopted by the board is a scaled‑down version of earlier requests, and supervisors who opposed it said their vote reflected continued concern about program effectiveness and the distribution of limited funds. The board did not vote to rescind prior contracts or direct an audit; the Health Care Agency will execute the agreement and follow any reporting requirements contained in the contract.
