About Behavioral Health
California has a behavioral health care crisis, as more Californians need care, and there are not enough providers to deliver that care. As a last resort, those facing a mental health crisis turn to hospital emergency departments. The number of people going to an emergency department for mental health needs jumped 68% from 2010 to 2020; for children 12 to 17 that number climbed 31%. Creating a behavioral health care system means making access easier and more equitable, while ensuring patients receive care in the most appropriate setting.
5 Things To Know: BHCIP Grant Applications Close Dec. 13
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is accepting applications for grants to fund construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of facilities related to behavioral health. DHCS will competitively award up to $3.3 billion in “Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready” grants to target gaps in the state’s behavioral health facility infrastructure. The application […]
5 Things To Know: Local Conference to Feature Expanding 5150 Criteria and CARE Court
The California Crisis Intervention Training Association (CACITA) Conference 2024 will be held on Oct. 30 at the Coronado Community Center. The event brings together behavioral health providers and public safety partners on key topics that impact both fields. The Expanding 5150 Criteria panel will discuss the impact of Senate Bill 43 (2023) on crisis response teams, […]
5 Things To Know: CARE Court Holds First Graduation Ceremony
San Diego County’s Behavioral Health Services and Public Defender departments, Superior Court, and other partners are celebrating an inspiring milestone for the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program (better known as CARE Court): On Aug. 7, CARE Court held its first graduation ceremony.
5 Things To Know: Resources Address Upcoming Changes to Definition of “Gravely Disabled”
The Jewish Family Service Patient Advocacy Program has released a new resource to help community organizations understand changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act that will take effect Jan. 1. Under Senate Bill 43, which was signed into law in October 2023, the definition of “gravely disabled” is expanded to include individuals with severe substance use disorders. The resource includes a short video as well as contact info for organizations that wish to schedule a training on this topic.
5 Things To Know: DHCS Adds New Resources on Proposition 1
Earlier this month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) shared new resources about its Behavioral Health Transformation work, including updated fact sheets, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and other materials. Behavioral Health Transformation is an effort that will implement Proposition 1 and builds on other major behavioral health initiatives in California.
5 Things To Know: September Marks National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month, observed every September since 1989, aims to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. It celebrates the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, including dedicated service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible. Instead of an annual resource fair, this year San Diego County is sharing information, resources, and recovery journeys through its online platforms.
5 Things To Know: New Drug Overdose Quarterly Data Released
A report of recent trends in fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses in San Diego County is now available. Each report features a standard set of figures and a special topic. This quarter’s topic is xylazine and xylazine-adulterated drugs.
5 Things To Know: Bridge Housing Funds Will Establish Recuperative Care Beds
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services has been awarded $12.4 million in state funding for bridge housing services. The funds will be used to create 49 new recuperative care beds for people who are experiencing homelessness and have a behavioral health condition. The award was part of a series of competitive grants issued by the Department of Health Care Services as part of its Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funding. The new beds will be located in a county-owned facility and at community-based providers that contract with the county.
5 Things To Know: Behavioral Health Infrastructure Grants Available in July
When Proposition 1 passed in March 2024, a bond was approved to finance new investments in housing and treatment for Californians experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Department of Health Care Services will make applications available in July, when both nonprofit and for-profit hospitals will be eligible to apply. All types of facilities that serve people with behavioral health needs can be established with these grants; everything from outpatient clinics and partial hospitalization programs to inpatient care and crisis stabilization will be eligible.
5 Things To Know: National Strategy Released to Improve Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Issues
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the release of a national strategy to address the urgent public health crisis of maternal mental health and substance use issues. Recommendations have been developed by the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, a subcommittee of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Advisory Committee for Women’s Services.