SANTA ANA, Calif. (August 7, 2025) – The Orange County Veterans Service Office (VSO) is proud to share the early success of its mental health support program, funded by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Grant Program. Since launching on July 1, 2024, the VSO has connected more than 310 Veterans to mental health care, housing, legal aid, and other essential services.
“We’re reaching people who might otherwise fall through the cracks, and it’s important we help guide them to care, services, and support.” said Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor.
The two-year, $300,000 grant funds a dedicated MHSA Case Manager/Navigator, who helps Veterans overcome barriers to access vital resources.
“In just the first year, the Navigator referred 124 Veterans to mental health care, 51 to legal aid, and 21 to housing support,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District Supervisor. “We prioritize building trust with our Veterans and connecting them to the essential support they need. This kind of individualized care ensures no Orange County Veterans get left behind as they navigate life after service.”
The program emphasizes outreach to underserved populations, including older adults, justice-involved Veterans, student Veterans, unhoused Veterans, at risk of homelessness, women Veterans, and Veterans who identify as LGBTQIA+.
“By expanding access to legal and mental health referrals, we’re helping Veterans who may have felt overlooked or discouraged,” said First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen. “Outreach has also reached over 120 Veterans from communities that often face added stigma around mental health care, including Latino, African American, Asian, and Pacific Islander Veterans.”
In June 2025, the program earned national recognition with a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the Human Services category. NACo honors counties demonstrating innovative public service strategies that addresses complex community challenges with efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement.
“By working together with community partners, we’re providing services with dignity and respect, and helping more Veterans access the services they have earned, when they are needed most,” said Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento.
“This grant helps us break down barriers so Veterans can move forward with the support they need for a better quality of life,” added Third District Supervisor, Donald P. Wagner.
For more information about the MHSA Grant Program or services offered by the Orange County Veterans Service Office, visit veterans.ocgov.com or call (714) 480-6555. The VSO is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are strongly encouraged at veterans.ocgov.com/schedule-an-appointment.
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