County seeks input for veterans' program - First forum in Vista July 11

SAN DIEGO – The County wants to hear from military veterans and active military, and their families and friends.

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is sponsoring a series of forums to gather information for a program to help service members make a successful transition to civilian life.

“The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging,” said Chairman Greg Cox, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “The County is working to ease that transition, especially when it comes to accessing services such as mental health resources.”

On Thursday, July 11, Supervisor Bill Horn will kick-off the Veteran/Military/Family: Community Needs Forums.

Information collected about the needs of veterans, active military, reservists, National Guard, and Coast Guard will help County behavioral health officials develop the next phase of the Courage to Call program.

“Courage to Call is a peer-to-peer support program run by veterans, for veterans,” Horn said. “It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers services to active and former military members, their families and loved ones.”

The public forums will take place on the following dates:

July 11 – 4 to 6 p.m. at North County Lifeline Inc.—Sage Room, 200 Michigan Ave., Vista, CA 92084

July 18 – 4 to 6 p.m. at El Cajon Library—Community Room, 201 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020

July 31 – 4 to 6 p.m. at HHSA-North Inland Office Multi-Purpose Room, 600 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025

Additional forums are being planned for other parts of the county next month.

To register, call Gina Brown at (619) 563-2762 or email her at [email protected]

People who are not able to attend the forums may give their suggestions and comments by phone or email at (619) 584-5069, (888) 977-6763.