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Humboldt County behavioral health board reboots outreach, mentorship and Zoom access in TA follow‑up
Summary
At a regular meeting in Eureka, the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board reviewed previously agreed technical‑assistance recommendations and prioritized outreach materials, Zoom moderation, and a mentorship program to onboard new members, with mentorship activities planned to start in August.
Kelly Johnson led a check‑in on the board’s response to prior technical‑assistance (TA) recommendations, telling colleagues that “we agreed we’d come back to the table and just kind of check it and see how things are going.” The conversation focused on making meetings more accessible and keeping the board’s recommendations active.
Board members reaffirmed the regular meeting time and in‑person location at 507 F Street in Eureka while retaining a Zoom option. Members described continuing problems with Zoom chat moderation and occasional disruptions; the board said it has been assigning a chat monitor during public‑comment periods to enable remote participants to be heard.
The board discussed outreach tools created by staff: small QR‑code cards and larger flyers that members can distribute at community events and table‑ups. Laurel Johnson, an analyst with the Department of Health and Human Services, noted the cards include a behavioral health board email address that staff monitor so inquiries are routed to the appropriate person. Members proposed keeping a stack of materials at each meeting so attendees can take a supply to hand out between meetings.
Mentorship for new members emerged as a central next step. Board members described an executive‑committee effort to pair long‑serving members with newcomers and suggested adding a short checklist for new members to executive‑committee materials. Members said a mentor program will begin in August and that having a consistent point person for new appointees will help build participation and retention.
The board asked staff to prepare an accessible summary of the board’s advisory relationship with the Board of Supervisors and to highlight bylaws and examples of past advisory actions so new members understand their role. Members agreed to revisit progress at an upcoming meeting.
