Commission Approves Formation of Two New Committees

Key Takeaways

• Commissioners approved the temporary merger of the Client and Family Leadership Committee (CFLC) and Cultural and Linguistic Competence Committee (CLCC) into the Client, Family, and Community Inclusion, Lived Experience, and Diversity Advisory Committee (CFC)

• Commissioners adopted the charter and approved the establishment of the Workforce Optimization Advisory Committee

• Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 meeting calendar for the Commission and its committees

Following a robust discussion amongst Commissioners and the public, Commissioners approved the temporary merger of the Client and Family Leadership Committee (CFLC) and Cultural and Linguistic Competence Committee (CLCC) into the Client, Family, and Community Inclusion, Lived Experience, and Diversity Advisory Committee (CFC).

The CFC is structured to build on the CLCC and CFLC's previous work in shaping the Commission's equity strategies, elevating culturally responsive approaches, and client and family voices by streamlining operations and improving committee coordination. The next three CFC meetings will focus on helping shape the Innovation Partnership Fund as a part of BHSA implementation. The committee's structure will be reconsidered at the conclusion of the three meetings.

Subsequently, Commissioners approved the charter and formation of the Workforce Optimization Advisory Committee. This new committee will work to support the Commission on human resources matters, including, but not limited to ensuring an accurate and fair performance of the Executive Director, supporting the Commission in maintaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive workplace, and making recommendations for Commission action on significant workplace issues.

Additional Items

• Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 meeting calendar to align Commission priorities with the Behavioral Health Services Act implementation including grants, advocacy, data, and integration of substance use disorder (SUD).

• Commissioners heard a presentation on the signed State Budget and approved the Commission's expenditures and associated contracts for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

• Commissioners Gary Tsai, MD, and Brandon Fernandez led a discussion on establishing a strategic approach for integrating SUD across future Commission programs and committee work, in alignment with Proposition 1.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) California presented their work in advocating for and with people with serious mental illness, and supporting a strong, coherent continuum of care. NAMI California is the Commission's families advocacy grantee.

A full recording of the August 28 meeting is available here.

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for October 23.