Governor Newsom highlights mental health support for USS Abraham Lincoln sailors returning to San Diego after 321-day deployment

What you need to know: Governor Newsom announces continued mental health care and support for the thousands of sailors and Marines who returned home to San Diego after a 321 day deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

SAN DIEGO - As thousands of sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln reunite with loved ones following a 321-day deployment, Governor Gavin Newsom today is offering the state's support through the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at Veterans Village of San Diego to provide mental health services to sailors returning from the USS Abraham Lincoln, connecting military members and their families with support during a critical period of readjustment.

With $38 million through the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI), the state has expanded community-based mental health services for veterans and their families across California.

California is standing up for the veterans and military families who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. As the Trump administration continues its war in Iran and federal cuts threaten veterans' mental healthcare, we're bringing critical support closer to home. Our commitment to those who served doesn't end when they take off the uniform - and neither does our responsibility to families who have stood beside them.

Governor Gavin Newsom

After months at sea supporting the Trump administration's war with Iran, these sailors deserve the opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones and access the care they need. California's investment is helping bring that care closer to the people who served - including those who may need support as they navigate the transition home.

For California's approximately 1.5 million veterans and their families, the state's continued investment in community-based care is helping ensure support is available closer to home.

Led by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), this initiative strengthens partnerships with local providers to improve access to timely, culturally competent mental health services in urban and rural communities. These investments are part of California's broader commitment to addressing veteran suicide, expanding treatment options and building a more responsive system of care that meets the changing needs of veterans and their families.

"As the sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln return home, we want them and their families to know that California stands ready to connect them with the resources and support they need," said CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin. "Whether navigating the transition home or facing challenges long after military service, no one should have to navigate those challenges alone. Through initiatives like CVHI, we are strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to mental healthcare, so veterans and their families have support when and where they need it."

Delivering results for veterans

Launched in 2024 with up to $38 million in competitive grant funding, CVHI supports outreach, outpatient clinical care, case management, peer support, and innovative, nontraditional approaches to mental health care throughout California.

Here are few CVHI grantees and service areas:

• Child Guidance Center - Orange County

• Nation's Finest - North Valley

• Swords to Plowshares - Bay Area

• The Resiliency Center of Fresno - Fresno

• Transitions-Mental Health Association - Central Coast

• U.S.VETS - Inland Empire - Inland Empire

• U.S.VETS - Los Angeles - Los Angeles

• U.S.VETS - Orange County - Orange County

• University of San Diego - San Diego

• Veterans Village of San Diego, Cohen Clinic at VVSD - Los Angeles - Los Angeles

• Veterans Village of San Diego, Cohen Clinic at VVSD - San Diego - San Diego

As of August 2026, CVHI grantees delivered more than 30,000 appointments statewide, including:

• 23,083 outpatient clinical appointments

• 6,360 case management appointments

• 1,318 peer support appointments

• 100 appointments for nontraditional care

Beyond direct services, outreach efforts are connecting veterans and families who had not previously engaged with available resources to counseling, crisis intervention, and other support.

The initiative is meeting or exceeding key goals for timely access to care and improved mental health outcomes. Grantees report shorter wait times and improved access to culturally competent services, helping veterans and their families receive care that reflects their individual needs and experiences.

California's efforts have also earned national recognition. The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) presented CalVet with its Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award for CVHI, recognizing the state's work to expand mental health care and strengthen community-based support for veterans.

Building on longstanding efforts

Since 2019, Governor Newsom has prioritized veterans through sustained investments - more than $10.5 billion - across state government, including:

• Expanded veteran housing through Proposition 1 and the Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Program.

• Investing $4.7 million to improve veteran access to clinical trials for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

• Expanded mental health resources and crisis support for veterans.

• Signing legislation to better support veterans and active servicemembers in accessing and utilizing their benefits.

• Expanding access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources.

• Investing in veteran homeownership and affordable housing.

• Supporting military families impacted by federal workforce reductions and instability.

• Increased investments in County Veterans Service Offices to connect veterans with federal benefits and fraud protection.

• New consumer protections cracking down on companies that exploit veterans seeking benefits.

• Historic efforts to help veterans become homeowners and expand affordable housing opportunities.

• Continued support for military families facing federal disruptions and economic uncertainty.

• Signing landmark legislation protecting veterans from predatory financial actors and fraudulent claims assistance companies.

• Expanding reproductive health care services for veterans and military families.

• Supporting LGBTQ veterans discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to update their records and access education, health, burial, and other benefits available to honorably discharged service members.

• Expanding support for LGBTQ servicemembers by providing critical housing, employment, and transition-to-civilian-life support to servicemembers discharged as a result of President Trump's ban on trans servicemembers from the military.

• Advancing construction of the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County.

More information about support services for veterans is available at calvet.ca.gov.

Connecting veterans and families to resources

Veterans and their families can learn more about this initiative and available mental health resources at CalVet's CVHI webpage and CalVet's partners at theVeterans Village of San Diego (VVSD). Veterans can also contact their local County Veterans Service Office for assistance navigating benefits and services.

Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, and those concerned about a veteran, can call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.