On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an updated mental health services support plan for the county, utilizing more than $28 million in funds provided through Proposition 63, which California voters approved in 2004.
The plan updates and enhances key mental health programs that served nearly 30,000 individuals last fiscal year.
“Expanding mental health care is one of the most important things we can do as a community, and it is a top priority of this Board,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “The Mental Health Services Act is a tremendous resource, funding vital programs that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Highlights of the 2022-23 Mental Health Services Act spending plan include:
- $150,000 for community program planning, which will empower the County to significantly increase stakeholder participation.
- $40,000 for Buckelew Programs for supportive housing to supplement the supportive housing the county already provides.
- $1.25 million for an adult services contractor to increase access and improve timeliness of appointments.
- $250,000 for a new youth services contractor to expand the capacity of youth and family services programs.
- A total of $2.5 million in funding over five years including $470,000 in FY 22-23 to expand supportive housing for individuals with serious mental health concerns who are diverted from jail.
The Mental Health Services Act is funded through a statewide 1% income tax on personal income above $1 million. The full report and spending plan can be found here.