The City of Watsonville presented the Mayor’s Proclamation to Mental Health Liaison Reina Valencia during the city council meeting on May 26.
Mayor KrIstal Salcido handed the framed document to Valencia in recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month “for her dedication and continued service to our community.”
Since 2016, Valencia has responded to thousands of crisis calls alongside Watsonville Police to provide clinical approaches to those in mental health crisis to help provide appropriate care and support, and to connect community members to appropriate resources.
She also works with family members of those with such needs to help them through challenging situations.
“We are grateful for Reina’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between mental health services and public safety,” City officials said in a Facebook post.
Anyone who is suffering from a mental crisis or families who need support can call 988, or Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health’s 24-hour Mobile Crisis Response Team at 800.952.2335. If lives are ever at stake, call 911.
