Formation of task force follows Governor Newsom’s release of 2020-21 State Budget Proposal
The Governor’s Budget includes $45.1 million General Fund for a Behavioral Health Quality Improvement Program to build counties’ behavioral health service delivery systems in preparation for the launch of Medi-Cal Healthier California for All
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 21, 2020
CONTACT: (916) 654-3304
SACRAMENTO – Following the unveiling of his budget proposal with its robust focus on improving behavioral health services, the California Health and Human Services Agency announced the formation today of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Behavioral Health Task Force to address the urgent mental health and substance use disorder needs across California. The panel will advise the Administration’s efforts to advance statewide behavioral health services, prevention, and early intervention to stabilize conditions before they become severe.
“Behavioral health services and wellness are essential to living a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life,” said Governor Newsom. “All Californians should be able to get the mental health and substance use disorder assistance they need when they need it. We must also prevent these conditions when possible, and intervene early to reduce their severity, particularly among younger Californians.”
The task force, chaired by California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, will consist of a broad range of stakeholders, including people living with behavioral health conditions — including mental health and substance use disorders, family members, advocates, providers, health plans, counties, and state agency leaders.
“While California has made great strides in offering health care coverage to more and more residents, too many of our neighbors — with private and public health care coverage — are struggling to access the timely mental health and substance use disorder treatment that they need now,” said Secretary Ghaly. “There is no question that the inability to get mental health and substance use disorder treatment exacerbates California’s ongoing homelessness crisis. We can – and must – do more.”
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