Orange County is taking over full operational responsibility for the Be Well OC campuses in Orange and Irvine, effective today. This change marks the end of the operational partnership between Orange County and Mind OC, the non-profit organization operating as Be Well OC. The transition places these important community facilities directly under the management of the Orange County Health Care Agency.
A significant aspect of this transition involves the new Irvine campus, a substantial $118 million project. This facility is built on 22 acres of county-owned land located near the Great Park, representing a considerable public investment. While its opening was initially projected for the spring, the county has announced plans to launch services at the Irvine campus "as soon as possible." These services are outlined to include critical behavioral health programs such as crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and substance use recovery, aiming to address pressing needs within the community.
The existing services provided at the Orange campus are slated to continue unaffected by this operational shift, ensuring uninterrupted care for current patients. As part of the county's full takeover, both the Orange and Irvine campuses will undergo rebranding. They will operate under a new, County-owned identity, clearly indicating their direct management and oversight by Orange County.
Commenting on the strategic decision, OC Supervisor Board Chairman Doug Chaffee released a statement. Chairman Chaffee articulated that bringing these behavioral health services directly under the Orange County Health Care Agency's management establishes a clear line of County responsibility. He further emphasized that this move is intended to strengthen service coordination among various County health providers. The ultimate goal, as stated by Chairman Chaffee, is to enhance the County’s delivery of specialized care to the individuals and families across Orange County who depend on these programs.
From Mind OC's perspective, Dr. Richard Afable, chairman of the board, also provided a statement. Dr. Afable underscored the founding mission of Be Well OC, which is to enhance the behavioral health care system for all Orange County residents. He noted that this mission is achieved through transformational public and private partnerships. Dr. Afable expressed pride in the organization's role in having successfully built two state-of-the-art campuses dedicated to behavioral health services within Orange County. Looking ahead, Dr. Afable affirmed that Mind OC looks forward to continuing its mission and serving Orange County residents, signaling an ongoing commitment to the broader behavioral health landscape in the region.
