For the record, SLO County’s Prop 1 behavioral health funding has not been cut | Opinion
The state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) would like to address concerns and misconceptions about the Behavioral Health Services Act as described in “Prop 1 to cut $13 million to SLO County behavioral health programs. What’s on the chopping block?” (March 11, 2025).
Proposition 1 made no cuts to behavioral health funding. Instead, Proposition 1 requires a needed change: county behavioral health care must now focus on helping the most seriously ill and unhoused, and counties will have more accountability to show results.
Change to the status quo can be hard; some local services may see funding decrease or shift to another source, and other services will be increased with this new focus. But the system of behavioral health care we all need and deserve will be stronger in 2026, thanks to Proposition 1.
Proposition 1 is a transformation for behavioral health care that strengthens California’s ability to meet the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorder challenges. It reforms funding allocations, expanding access and increasing the types of support available to all Californians — not just Medi-Cal members — in need, including the uninsured. It prioritizes early intervention, community-based services and housing solutions for individuals with the greatest need while maintaining a strong commitment to cultural competence — contrary to the article’s assertions — and serving populations that have historically faced barriers to accessing care.
The article suggests that Proposition 1 forces counties to make sweeping cuts to vital programs in San Luis Obispo County, including early mental illness screening and prevention programs for high school and college students. In reality, the Behavioral Health Services Act works in concert with a host of other behavioral health initiatives that have launched in recent years to bolster existing projects and provide counties with additional federal funding opportunities and support from other payers, including the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative, Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) initiative, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, and more.
Moreover, each county’s required Integrated Plan for Behavioral Health Services and Outcomes must be developed with input from various stakeholders and represent multiple funding sources, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to planning and funding. If stakeholders vocally support current funding allocations, the county must take their feedback into account to meet BHSA requirements. County boards of supervisors must also review and adopt the plan before it is submitted to DHCS for review.
Contrary to what the article claims, all housing intervention settings must be combined with access to clinical and supportive behavioral health care and housing services that promote individual health, functioning and long-term stability. This combination is vital for promoting overall health, helping people function better in their daily lives and ensuring their long-term stability. Housing alone isn’t enough — it must be supported by services that address mental health and well-being for lasting success.
We value care that focuses on the whole person — treating mental health with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health. Proposition 1 will provide critical infrastructure for individuals to receive timely and culturally competent care that meets their needs and promotes long-term wellness. By addressing systemic gaps, we aim to create a behavioral health framework that is accessible, supportive and responsive to the diverse needs of all Californians.
As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting Californians to thrive emotionally and mentally, fostering holistic health, personal dignity and resilience.
Tyler Sadwith is state Medicaid director for the California Department of Health Care Services.