Our sincere thanks to the Grand Jury for its interest and report on this matter. Providing leadership and initiatives in identifying and addressing community needs as well as respecting the constitutional rights of all people are organizational values that this Board holds in high regard. This Board is committed to the importance of adequate and proper housing for all of it residents. There is a shortage of suitable housing for the mentally ill countywide.
North County has no hospital beds for short term psychiatric placement.
Patients from Santa Maria must be transported by ambulance to PHF in Santa Barbara, or if it is full, to hospitals in Ventura. We agree with this finding. This charge is a significant drain on Santa Barbara County s meager mental health funds. We agree with this finding. There is a special need for temporary shelter for patients in crisis above and beyond current hospital space.