Additional Stakeholder Quotes:
“Congratulations once again to Be Well Orange County. What you have done is to establish, what I believe to be, the model for mental health care in California. Your fundamental idea that we must have an integrated approach and that no one sector, private or public, can solve this problem alone is both simple and unique. I look forward to seeing how your effort blossoms even more and how we can look back and say, Be Well OC has started a movement that will lead to people living better lives, to safer and healthier communities, and to a better California and Country. Thank you so much for your leadership,” Mayor Darrell Steinberg, City of Sacramento and founder, Steinberg Institute.
“The Be Well OC Orange Campus is proof that when organizations pool their talent, resources, and imagination, solutions are within reach. Orange is proud to partner with the County of Orange, our sister Orange County cities, and the many private and non-profit stakeholders. This first Be Well Campus is a significant stride forward in providing help to those who have had nowhere else to turn,” said Mayor Mark A. Murphy, City of Orange.
“We are proud to partner with Be Well OC. Peace officers were never intended to be the first face of government for addressing mental illness and drug addiction. The Campus will provide much-needed services to properly address these challenges and preserve law enforcement and emergency room resources for their intended purpose,” said Sheriff Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff's Department.
“Prior to the pandemic, one in five people in our community would face a mental health issue each year. Anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and other mental health issues are being exacerbated directly and indirectly by the effects of the pandemic. The Be Well OC movement is more important than ever before. The momentum we have today couldn’t be more important and necessary as we forge ahead. We must meet this moment and continue the great work of systems transformation,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, county health officer, and director, Orange County Health Care Agency.
“Vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and large numbers of CalOptima members live in the low-income neighborhoods hit the hardest by COVID-19. Our members feel the loss and stress of this challenging time. The Be Well OC campus network will be a tremendous resource for those experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Richard Sanchez, CEO, CalOptima.
“This facility reflects another major step in providing world-class mental health and substance disease services to all Orange County residents. The resources provided within this wonderful campus will not only access needed services for our 580,000 Kaiser Permanente members, but will more importantly further support our Kaiser Permanente mission of improving the overall quality of health for all within the cities we serve,” said Mark Costa, senior vice president, area manager, Kaiser Permanente Orange County.
“Providence Southern California is incredibly honored to be a part of Be Well OC. Together we have built upon our shared goal of providing compassionate, meaningful and effective treatment, illuminating that path to wellness. Be Well OC is that beacon that lights the path,” said Erik G. Wexler, chief executive, Providence Southern California.
“The opening of the Be Well OC Orange Campus is a tremendous step forward. And while it is a beautiful facility, it’s the people cared for inside – those who’ve been quietly suffering and will now receive kind and compassionate care without judgment – that will truly make the difference. This new facility is a sterling example of what we can do as healthcare providers, government leaders and passionate experts, when we come together. MemorialCare is honored to support this transformational moment in our community’s history,” said Barry Arbuckle, president and CEO, MemorialCare Health System.
“As the initial concept for Be Well OC was being discussed, Hoag’s real estate and facilities team worked closely with the leaders of Mind OC and the County of Orange to develop the spatial program, design, and interior concepts that serve as the basis of the facility you see here today. Hoag is proud to support this important addition to Orange County’s health care infrastructure,” said Sanford L. Smith, AIA, Senior Vice President Real Estate and Facilities, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
“Justice is not racking up convictions and getting as much jail time as possible. Justice is doing what is right for the individual. And what is right for society. When we help people escape the cycle of the criminal justice system and address the underlying issues that cause them to commit crimes – we are helping create fulfilling lives and safer communities. That is why as a County Supervisor and now as the elected District Attorney I fought so hard to have Be Well here in Orange County. I wanted it in the Third District when I was supervisor because I knew that this building – and the wonderful work that will be accomplished here – is a shining example of how a community should address mental illness,” said District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney's Office.
“One of the things I’m most passionate about, and most proud of, is the integrated model for mental health and substance abuse services at the Be Well OC Orange Campus. With the addition of community-based social support services, this honors whole-person needs and improves outcomes. I’m humbled by the incredible work and collaboration of all the talented people and organizations who have come together to make the opening of this first Be Well OC campus possible,” said Dr. Jeff Nagel, deputy agency director, Behavioral Health Services, Orange County Health Care Agency.