DATE: January 6, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Susan Holt, Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT: Department Celebrations and Recognitions
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Department of Behavioral Health to recognize and celebrate Mental Wellness Month and National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month as described in Attachments A and B, for five years or until approval is rescinded by your Board, per Administrative Policy No. 81.
REPORT
Administrative Policy No. 81 was approved to govern department celebrations and recognition of holidays, themes, events, days, weeks or months as approved prior to their occurrence by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation. The purpose of this agenda item is to seek Board approval to celebrate and recognize Mental Wellness Month and National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month submitted by the Department of Behavioral Health (Department) in Attachments A and B. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may approve both or specific celebrations and recognitions described in Attachments A and B. Should your Board not approve of a specific celebration or recognition, the Department will not officially and publicly celebrate or recognize that specific holiday, theme, event, day, week, or month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Any event or observance in which the Department intends to incur expenses will be brought to your Board for approval in accordance with Administrative Policy No. 80.
DISCUSSION:
On June 10, 2025, your Board discussed department sponsorships and financial contributions to community events. Direction was given to the County Administrative Officer (CAO) to create a process for approval of events that County departments may participate in or contribute funding towards. Additionally, your Board directed the CAO to return at a later date to discuss and recommend what County departments may officially recognize or celebrate.
On August 5, 2025, your Board discussed and provided direction on an approval process for County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months.
On September 9, 2025, Administrative Policy No. 81 - Department Celebrations and Recognitions was approved by your Board and allows County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months that are approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation, prior to their occurrence.
The Department’s goal in celebrating workplace and community events is to foster a positive and engaging environment that strengthens employee and community wellness and connection. The Department’s Morale Committee coordinates events that provide employees with opportunities to engage in positive social interactions with their colleagues, fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the workplace while supporting physical and mental well-being.
The Department participates in broader community celebrations and observances throughout the year, recognizing the various traditions and values that reflect the communities we serve. By acknowledging and participating in these events, the Department demonstrates its commitment and dedication to providing quality, culturally responsive, and behavioral health services to promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency for individuals and families in our community.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #7, September 9, 2025
BAI #9, August 5, 2025
BAI #11, June 10, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Attachment A - Mental Wellness Month
Attachment B - National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander