SAN DIEGO COUNTY BUDGET: The county has released its 2023-24 budget, which addresses a number of issues — homelessness, building healthy and safe communities, investing in working families, mental health and substance use disorders, sustainability, and justice reform. There is an opportunity for the community to comment and provide input before the board deliberates and adopts a budget at the end of June. Community meetings are being held this week, and next month, public hearings will take place.
STATE BUDGET MAY REVISION: On May 12, Gov. Newsom released the May Revision, the updated state budget proposal that incorporates changes based on California’s economic and revenue outlook along with the governor’s administration priorities. The updated budget recognizes a $9.3 billion increase in the state budget shortfall, which the governor proposes to address through a mix of revenue increases, spending reductions and delays, and other budget maneuvers. It does not propose any major new budget solutions within health care, apart from proposing to reauthorize the managed care organization tax and use most of the funding to offset state costs in Medi-Cal. Additional details are available in a CHA News article.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: In addition to CalFresh Awareness Month, May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. It was established in 1949 to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. A number of resources are available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Locally, the Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego County, Inc. is holding a free community Mental Health Awareness and Resource Fair on May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sweetwater Union High School in National City. The event will include Live Well on Wheels Vaccination, wellness activities, and speakers.
Mark Your Calendars: The Department of Health Care Access and Information has several upcoming application dates and webinars for its programs.
- May 15 - Behavioral Health Scholarship Application Opens
- May 15 - Golden State Social Opportunities Scholarship Application Opens
- May 31 – Webinar: Behavioral Health Scholarship Program
- May 31 – Webinar: Golden State Social Opportunities Scholarship Program
- June 7 - California Health Workforce Education and Training Council Meeting
NEW SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCES: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched a partnership with national nonprofit Shatterproof and Blue Shield of California to help combat the substance use crisis, keep Californians safe, and provide recovery resources to those in need. This is a free and confidential way for Californians to find lifesaving, high-quality addiction treatment to meet their unique needs. The new resources include Shatterproof Treatment Atlas, an addiction treatment locator, assessment, and standards platform that will connect individuals to appropriate evidence-based addiction treatment. Additionally, to empower individuals and change attitudes about substance use disorders, DHCS launched Unshame California, a science-driven and content-based campaign that promotes anti-stigma messaging through stories of Californians impacted by substance use disorders.
