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Board approves scaled Angels Baseball outreach contract for behavioral health over objections
Summary
The board approved a Health Care Agency contract with the Los Angeles Angels to advertise behavioral health resources, after public commenters criticized effectiveness of sports marketing; the measure passed 3–2 following supervisor debate over reach, metrics and alternative outreach spending.
The Orange County Health Care Agency sought approval for a scaled marketing and outreach contract with Angels Baseball to promote behavioral health resources and help connect residents to services.
A public commenter who identified herself during the meeting said past large contracts lacked clear accountability and questioned whether in‑stadium impressions translate to service access for people in crisis. “Giving the money to a team that won’t even acknowledge that they are in Orange County is another travesty,” the speaker said.
Supervisors divided on the contract. Supervisor Sarmiento and Vice Chair Foley questioned whether stadium advertising is the best use of limited funds and urged redirecting resources to county platforms, community clinics and schools. Supervisor Wagner, Supervisor Nguyen and Chair Chaffee supported the contract, citing HCA survey responses and reach metrics; Wagner moved the item and Nguyen seconded.
A roll call recorded by the clerk shows the vote as: Supervisor Wagner—Aye; Supervisor Winn—Aye; Supervisor Sarmiento—No; Vice Chair Foley—Aye; Chair Chaffee—Aye. The board approved the contract 3–2.
Board members who opposed the item said they would prefer strengthening county technology and clinic‑based outreach, and some members asked staff to provide a fuller digital footprint and metrics for future outreach investments.
The Health Care Agency said the contract had been pared down from earlier proposals and that the funding includes performance metrics for impressions and digital referrals. Supervisors asked HCA to provide follow‑up reporting on outreach effectiveness.
