OCVMFC General Meeting - BHSA and the CA Veterans Health Initiative

OCVMFC General Meeting: California Veterans Health Initiative & BHSA

Join the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC) for an engaging and informative General Meeting focused on the future of veteran behavioral health, housing, and supportive services in California and Orange County.

This month's meeting will feature state and local leaders discussing the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI), BHSA, and the opportunities these initiatives present to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

Attendees will gain insights into statewide strategies, local initiatives, and collaborative approaches designed to address the complex challenges facing veterans, including mental health, substance use treatment, housing stability, and access to care.

Roberto C. Herrera Jr.
Deputy Secretary, Veterans Services
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)

Deputy Secretary Herrera will provide an overview of the California Veterans Health Initiative and discuss statewide efforts to improve access to behavioral health and support services for veterans.

Michelle Smith
Deputy Director
Orange County Health Care Agency

Michelle Smith will share insights into Orange County's BHSA and its impact on veteran-serving systems of care.

Moderated by:
Roberto C. Herrera Jr.
Deputy Secretary, Veterans Services, CalVet

• Lori Pack, CEO, Child Guidance Center
• Rubi Lopez Becerra, Clinical Program Director, Child Guidance Center
• Robert Stohr, Executive Director, Los Angeles & Orange County, U.S. VETS
• Robin Taylor, Executive Director, Veterans Legal Institute

Panelists will discuss innovative practices, challenges, and collaborative solutions to better support veterans and military-connected families across Orange County and California.

Hear directly from a U.S. Army Veteran who will share their personal journey navigating behavioral health services, recovery, and community support. This powerful perspective will help ground the conversation in the real-world experiences of those we serve.

• Veteran service providers
• Healthcare and behavioral health professionals
• Government and community leaders
• Veteran advocates
• Housing and supportive service organizations
• Military and veteran-serving nonprofits
• Veterans, military family members, and community stakeholders

We look forward to bringing together partners from across Orange County to strengthen collaboration, share resources, and advance solutions that improve the lives of veterans and military families.

Registration is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today.