At its December 11, meeting the Board of County Commissioners (Board) voted to establish the Mental Illness and Addiction Ad Hoc Committee with a renewed mission to make recommendations for providing assistance and treatment of persons with mental health and addiction issues. The passage of Resolution No. 2018-232 requires the formation of the Collier County Mental Illness and Addiction Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for the purpose of providing input from all entities involved in providing assistance to, and the treatment of, persons with mental health or addiction issues, both public and private, as well as members of the public, to identify existing mental and behavioral health services issues in the community to ensure the inclusion of all possible services, treatment, and public and private assistance for county residents struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Membership of this committee shall not exceed 19 open individuals, who shall initially be appointed by the Board. Consideration for membership will be given to ensure geographic and background diversity. Special qualifications for membership include: One representative designated by a Veteran services organization; one representative designated by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office; one representative designated by a Collier County grantor entity which provides funding to providers of services for mental illness and substance abuse use disorders for adults; one psychiatrist, licensed to practice in Florida; one behavioral health professional, licensed to practice in Florida; one medical health professional; one representative from a homelessness advocacy organization; one representative of the David Lawrence Center, Inc.; one representative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness; one certified peer specialist; one representative from the recovery community; representatives from the local business community; and, representatives at-large with experience or demonstrated interest in mental illness and substance use disorder. Geographical preference will be given to one applicant from each Commissioner District. Residents interested in applying for positions on the Mental Illness and Addiction Ad Hoc Committee may obtain an application by calling (239) 252-8400, or by downloading an application from the county’s website at Online Advisory Board Application | Collier County, FL