Policy Update: SB 224 Moves Through the Assembly Education Committee

Behavioral Health Action Release: Blueprint for Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Action released its Blueprint for Behavioral Health to address the decades-old, systemic barriers that currently inhibit strong behavioral health care.

Marking One Year of the Pandemic

Statement from our CEO, Jessica Cruz, on one year of the pandemic.

February is Black History Month

Each February, we mark Black History Month by reflecting on history, elevating voices from our communities, and sharing mental health information and resources.

SB 224 Introduced to Bring Mental Health Education to Schools

SB 224 (State Senator Anthony J. Portantino), co-sponsored by NAMI CA, would require all students in California receive age appropriate mental health education.

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2020

While mental illness awareness is something we work on every day, we join others in efforts to educate and inspire the public for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4 to 10, 2020).While mental illness awareness is something we work on every day, we join others in efforts to educate and inspire the public for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4 to 10, 2020).

AB 3242 Signed Into Law: Win for Telehealth and More

Statement on Systemic Racism and the Quest for Justice

Town Hall Webinar on California’s Response to COVID-19

We are pleased to announce a community listening session, hosted by NAMI California and the Department of Health Care Services, focused on the state’s response to COVID-19 and efforts to support our communities. Family members and peers will be invited to discuss and share feedback as part of our continuing work to link local and state level efforts.

Thursday, June 4, 2 to 3:30 pm PT.

Summary: May Revision to the California State Budget

Like everything else, California’s economy has been impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision to the state budget for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2121) projects a shortfall of more than $50 billion. To fill the gap, the Governor proposes multiple strategies that range from program cuts and requesting more federal assistance, to using the state’s “rainy day” reserves. The state legislature is holding public hearings on the Governor’s proposals and must pass a final state budget by July 1, 2020. A few of the highlights:

Reduction in county funding: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) revenues are projected to be $600 million less in 2020-21, falling from $2.3 billion in the current year to $1.7 billion.

New funding for COVID-19 impacts: Newsom proposes giving $450 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to cities and $1.3 billion to counties to address homelessness, public health, behavioral health, public safety, rental subsidies, and other services to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delays to programs: The DHCS “Medi-Cal Healthier California for All” Initiative (CalAIM) and Behavioral Health Quality Improvement and Behavioral Health Integration programs are stalled.

Modified or eliminated services: Medi-Cal services

Plans postponed: Trainings, plans to reform the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), increase SSI funding and more plans are postponed.

Reforms to state prison and local public safety systems: mental health services for parolees are among those reforms eliminated.

Here is our complete summary of the Governor’s May revision to the budget.