County Behavioral Health Services is inviting residents to give their input on where to focus funding to support people with serious mental illness or substance use issues who are eligible for Medi-Cal at a series of upcoming meetings.

The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), also known as Proposition 1, was approved by voters in March 2024.

It does several things, including expanding to support people with substance use disorders, reprioritizing funds to support housing and shifting prevention funding to the California Department of Public Health for programs that serve specific populations (e.g. LGBTQ+, older adults, veterans, etc.) The BHSA is a critical resource that provides funding for lifesaving treatment, supports and housing.

As part of BHSA, the County must support a community planning process to engage and gather insights and recommendations from community members, stakeholders, organizations and individuals to identify priorities for BHSA funding. The feedback from these engagement efforts will help shape the County's first Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plan, which goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

"We want to hear the community's thoughts about what kinds of treatment and supports are needed in our region," said Nadia Privara, Acting Director of County Behavioral Health Services. "It's important that we understand the barriers to care that people are facing and the unique care needs people of all ages have when it comes to the services we provide. The input will help shape our Integrated Plan and how resources are prioritized to best support people in need."

Community members are invited to share their feedback through an online form and by attending upcoming virtual sessions.

The meetings, held by Zoom , are listed below and focused by topic.

• Crisis Services
  Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Community Mental Health Needs
  Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Housing Interventions
  Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
  Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services
  Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Public Behavioral Health Workforce
  Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Early Intervention
  Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

More information about the Behavioral Health Services Act and ways to get involved are available on the County's Behavioral Health Services website.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, experiencing an issue with drugs or alcohol, or having a hard time, the 9-8-8 Lifeline can help. Calling can connect you, a friend, or a family member to mental health services and referrals. We don't have to face these challenges alone. Dial 9-8-8 to receive support from a local counselor. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages within seconds.