Opc Area Program

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OPC Area Program is the local governmental agency with responsibility for oversight and management of publicly-funded mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services in Orange, Person and Chatham counties. OPC provides screening, triage and referral for individuals needing services in the area; recruits and monitors an array of community service providers; and manages the distribution of state monies for services to consumers.

OPC is governed by an Area Board. The Area Board is comprised of one county commissioner from each of the three counties OPC serves. The commissioners appoint the remaining board members. These remaining board members are citizens, which must include representatives of various constituent and professional groups specified by statutes governing OPC. As the governing body, the Board exercises the powers and duties conferred by the General Assembly.

The Area Board meets at our Administrative Offices in Chapel Hill on the second Monday of each month. The Finance Committee convenes from 6:00pm - 6:30pm. At 6:30pm the Area Director and staff present system updates to Board members and the general public. The regular ORDER OF BUSINESS begins at 7:15pm; the meeting is open to the public.

4th Annual Project Homeless Connect The 4th annual Project Homeless Connect Orange County will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill. Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop event to link people who are homeless or at risk with needed services.

This year we anticipate serving over 275 guests with over 50 service providers and 300 volunteers participating. Since 2007 the event has served nearly 600 guests with job-readiness resources, health and dental care, mental health assistance, social services, legal services, housing, and more. Project Homeless Connect is a key initiative of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness.

Title VI OPC is committed to equal access for all consumers regardless of their national origin or language. In fulfilling its role as a Local Management Entity, OPC will facilitate effective communication with our consumers to the greatest extent possible and will arrange for interpreter services when effective communication is not otherwise possible. OPC will also work with its provider community in fulfilling their responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide equal access for all consumers.

OPC Area Program Achieves Three-Year Accreditation The OPC Area Program is pleased and proud to announce that it has been accredited as a Services Management Network by CARF. CARF is an international, not-for-profit organization that accredits human services providers. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF sent a review team on June 11-12 to pore over records and documents and interview staff, Board members, consumers, and providers. The agency was evaluated in such areas as leadership, strategic planning, input from persons served and other stakeholders, financial planning and management, technology, service access, and many others.

In a congratulatory letter to Area Director Judy Truitt, CARF President Brian Boon, Ph.D. wrote that this achievement is an indication of your organizations dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence. The CARF report cited OPCs strong leadership, a very capable staff, and a committed local area board of directors. The accreditation will extend through June 2012.

CARF particularly noted OPCs strong relationship with its provider community. Effective monitoring, mentoring, and training opportunities by the organization to network providers reflect the high levels of assistance that are provided by the network staff. Upon hearing about the accreditation announcement, David Chapman, the President/CEO of Carrboros Caramore Community, wrote to Ms. Truitt that OPC provides invaluable support to us. Because of our partnership with OPC, Caramore is able to make a positive difference in the lives of people with mental illness. The OPC staff is intelligent, experienced and compassionate. This CARF accreditation only confirms what Caramore already knows- that OPC is a high quality organization.