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SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), under the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, this month applied to the Center for Medicaid and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the groundbreaking Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model. If approved, this multi-year initiative will expand Medi-Cal members’ access to lifesaving gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD), a severe genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects people of African descent.
“California’s application to participate in this federal model reflects our commitment to expanding access to groundbreaking treatments for Medi-Cal members with sickle cell disease,” said State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith. “These therapies have the potential to transform lives, and this initiative helps ensure that cost is not a barrier for Californians who need them most.”
WHY THIS MATTERS: More than 50 percent of individuals with SCD are covered by Medicaid in the United States. By participating in the CGT Access Model, California will:
“By expanding access to these transformative therapies, California is leading the way in addressing health inequities, improving life expectancy, and ensuring that Medi-Cal members with sickle cell disease receive the best possible care,” said Sadwith.
ABOUT THE CGT ACCESS MODEL: Gene therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to SCD. It modifies a patient’s own hematopoietic stem cells to help the body produce healthy red blood cells. This one-time treatment has been shown to reduce severe pain episodes and has the potential to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with SCD.
However, these therapies come with extraordinary costs, making access difficult for patients and Medicaid programs, including Medi-Cal. The CGT Access Model addresses this challenge by using a negotiated rebate system that ties payments for these treatments to patient outcomes. If the therapy does not meet expected health improvements, drug manufacturers will provide rebates to Medicaid programs, helping ensure financial sustainability while expanding access to care.
Initially, the model will focus on gene therapies for SCD, a condition affecting more than 100,000 individuals nationwide, including more than 8,000 Medi-Cal/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members in California.
If California is approved, eligible Medi-Cal members will have access to gene therapy treatment, case management, travel assistance, behavioral health support, and fertility preservation services, as the treatment process involves chemotherapy, which can impact fertility. CMS anticipates testing the model over an 11-year performance period, beginning on January 1, 2025.
BIGGER PICTURE: In addition to applying for the CGT Access Model, California was selected earlier this year for the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, which aims to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce costs, and is transforming Medi-Cal through its California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) waiver, which focuses on whole-person care, care management, and addressing social drivers of health—strengthening efforts to create a more inclusive and effective health system.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
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Se espera que los proyectos atiendan a casi 2,000 personas anualmente
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Mentis are expanding outpatient services for people with mental health needs in Napa County. Just eight months ago, DHCS and Mentis broke ground on the Napa Valley Youth Wellness Campus, supported by Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program funding totaling more than $4.7 million.
On March 5, DHCS and Mentis celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new outpatient community mental health clinic and community wellness/youth prevention center, which opened for services and includes 121 new treatment slots and will serve nearly 2,000 people annually.
“DHCS is committed to working with partners like Mentis to rapidly expand mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for California youth,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “BHCIP continues to address historic gaps in the behavioral health care system to meet the growing demand for services and supports throughout the lifespan of people in need.”
Corte de cinta para el proyecto del Campus de Bienestar Juvenil del Valle de Napa
NAPA VALLEY YOUTH WELLNESS CAMPUS: This project will serve the behavioral, mental, and emotional needs of children and youth in Napa Valley and their families. The project involves rehabilitating an existing private middle school campus building to incorporate a supportive art studio, community space, and therapy rooms. Services include children and youth wellness prevention activities, mental health treatment, group therapy and/or family activities, and individual therapy sessions. Programs are offered in English and Spanish and are free and accessible for all. Located within walking distance of three high schools, the campus’ continuum of care is intended to attract a diverse youth population, including youth of color and LGBTQIA+ and justice-involved youth.
“Our community clinic and youth wellness campus will provide much-needed support to youth who continue to struggle with life’s stresses,” said Mentis Executive Director Rob Weiss. “We are eager to expand our continuum of care to serve children and youth with a wide spectrum of needs, and we are grateful to DHCS for making this vision possible.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026. Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and substance use disorders.
DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS will distribute up to $4.4 billion in competitive Bond BHCIP funding, including $3.3 billion for Round 1: Launch Ready grants as part of Behavioral Health Transformation, DHCS’ work to implement Proposition 1. DHCS holds regular public listening sessions on this effort. Updates and recordings of the sessions are available on the online.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 4: CHILDREN AND YOUTH:BHCIP Round 4 focused on Californians ages 25 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum women and their children and youth ages 16-25, along with their families. Through funding made possible by California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, the 52 awards totaling $480.5 million allowed for new construction and expansion of multiple outpatient and residential facility types, including children’s crisis residential programs, perinatal residential substance use disorder facilities, community wellness/youth prevention centers, and outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
El proyecto incluirá 37 nuevas camas de hospitalización en un hospital psiquiátrico agudo
SACRAMENTO — On February 19, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center broke ground on Gateways’ youth expansion project in Los Angeles County. The project, funded by Round 4 of DHCS’ Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), will focus on youth with serious emotional or behavioral problems experiencing an acute psychiatric emergency.
DHCS awarded Gateways more than $19 million through BHCIP, which is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026.
“This groundbreaking is a significant step forward in our commitment to provide specialized care to youth facing acute mental health challenges,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “By expanding access to comprehensive care, we are fostering an environment where all young people can receive the care and support they deserve to thrive.”
GATEWAYS YOUTH EXPANSION PROJECT: Most of the youth to be served by the project have experienced traumatic events or adverse childhood experiences or are involved with child welfare services. Gateways is adding 37 inpatient beds for adolescents to the acute psychiatric hospital’s existing 55 inpatient beds serving adults and adolescents.
“There is an urgent need to provide support for youth facing mental health crises,” said Gateways Hospital CEO Dr. Phil Wong. “We commend California for prioritizing these funds to focus on youth mental health by expanding infrastructure capacity to help shift the tide. Our team is pleased to break ground on our expansion so we can start serving youth in need of these vital services.”
In addition to traditional health care, the expanded facility will allow youth to receive multiple therapeutic services and participate in activities designed to build autonomy and help them transition to outpatient services. These services will include individual and group therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, mentalization-based therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and biofeedback. Youth housed in the unit will receive multiple therapeutic services, including family therapy and medical counseling.
Finally, youth presenting with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and youth with co-occurring alcohol and drug disorders will receive nutritional counseling, have their physical health closely monitored, and receive medication management.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and substance use disorders. BHCIP is addressing historic gaps in the behavioral health care system to meet the growing demand for services and supports throughout the lifespan of people in need.
DHCS awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS will distribute up to $4.4 billion in competitive Bond BHCIP funding, including $3.3 billion for Round 1: Launch Ready grants as part of Behavioral Health Transformation, DHCS’ work to implement Proposition 1. DHCS holds regular public listening sessions on this effort. Updates and recordings of the sessions are available on the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 4: CHILDREN AND YOUTH: BHCIP Round 4, through funding made possible by California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, focuses on Californians ages 25 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum women and their children and transition-age youth ages 18-25, along with their families. The 52 awards totaling $480.5 million allow for new construction and expansion of multiple outpatient and residential facility types, including children’s crisis residential programs, perinatal residential substance use disorder facilities, community wellness/youth prevention centers, and outpatient treatment for substance use disorder. For more information, please visit the BHCIP website.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Se proyecta que el nuevo centro de gestión de crisis atenderá a más de 2,500 personas anualmente
SACRAMENTO — On February 7, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and CRI-Help announced the grand opening of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Crisis Management Hub: A Fully Integrated Behavioral Health Campus project in Los Angeles County. The site includes an adult residential SUD treatment facility, an intensive outpatient treatment SUD facility, and a sobering center. These combined facilities are projected to serve more than 2,500 individuals annually.
The SUD Crisis Management Hub project was funded by Round 5 of DHCS’ Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP). DHCS awarded CRI-Help more than $21 million through BHCIP, which is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026.
“Facilities like these that are part of the SUD Crisis Management Hub treat not only the crises, but also the core concerns of people seeking help with their SUDs, so they can pursue continuous recovery,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “DHCS is pleased to partner with CRI-Help to make this facility a reality and to bring high-quality behavioral health care to this community.”
CRI-HELP: CRI-Help’s SUD Crisis Management Hub project immediately increases the availability of outpatient and residential crisis services for low-income adults in the downtown and east Los Angeles areas. This project includes three programs:
Together, these facilities will provide screenings, group counseling, patient education, family therapy group sessions, motivational interviewing, recovery efforts, and warm handoffs to other levels of care.
“With the addition of a sobering center funded by BHCIP that provides comprehensive recovery services, we are redefining what accessible, compassionate care looks like in the Los Angeles area,” said CRI-Help President and CEO Brandon Fernandez. “This campus stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity for people seeking a second chance in life.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and SUDs. BHCIP is addressing historic gaps in the behavioral health care system to meet the growing demand for services and supports throughout the lifespan of people in need.
DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS will distribute up to $4.4 billion in competitive Bond BHCIP funding, including $3.3 billion for Round 1: Launch Ready grants as part of Behavioral Health Transformation, DHCS’ work to implement Proposition 1. DHCS holds regular public listening sessions on this effort. Updates and recordings of the sessions are available on the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 5: CRISIS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTINUUM: BHCIP Round 5 was developed, in part, through a statewide needs assessment that identified significant gaps in available crisis services. This assessment showed the need for a better crisis care system to reduce emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and incarceration. The 33 awards, totaling $430 million, are being used to build and expand crisis care and behavioral health facilities statewide and will serve vulnerable Californians of all ages, including Medi-Cal members.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Se espera que los proyectos atiendan a más de 900 personas anualmente
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is expanding residential services for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health needs at two locations in Los Angeles County.
The Whole Child—Mental Health and Housing Services celebrated the grand opening of a new community wellness center (below). On February 1, the center began providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive mental health, family housing, parent enrichment, and nutrition education services. The center supports families in southeast Los Angeles who face barriers to accessing care, including youth and families experiencing homelessness.
Also, St. Anne’s Family Services hosted a groundbreaking (below) for a new short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP) called STRTP FOR ONE, which annually provides high-quality supportive housing programs, early childhood education, mental health, and family-based services to thousands of young women, children, and families in Los Angeles County.
Both projects were funded by Round 5 of DHCS’ Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP). DHCS awarded The Whole Child—Mental Health and Housing Services more than $6 million and St. Anne’s Family Services more than $2 million through BHCIP, which is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026.
“Expanding community-based behavioral health care services is a top priority for DHCS,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Residential facilities like these are a vital component of California’s efforts to bring high-quality, trauma-informed care to individuals and families who need it most.”
THE WHOLE CHILD—MENTAL HEALTH AND HOUSING SERVICES: The Trauma Healing and Wellness Center for Homeless Families and the Community project provides trauma-informed, culturally sensitive services to children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness in the Los Angeles area. In addition to outpatient counseling services, the center supports vocational, mental health, housing navigation, parent, and nutrition education. The center’s comprehensive suite of mental health services includes individual, family, and group psychotherapy, medication management, psychological testing, psychiatric services, case management, crisis intervention services, school-linked services to provide assessment and therapy to students onsite in schools, multidisciplinary assessment teams, and specialized foster care. Evidence-based practices include trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy, individual cognitive behavioral therapy, a Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, managing and adopting practice, child parent psychotherapy, Incredible Years, aggression replacement therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy.
“As a regional leader in children’s mental health and wellness, we know firsthand how childhood trauma and pain can follow children into adulthood,” said The Whole Child CEO Constanza Pachon. “However, we also know that treatment at an early age can have an enormously positive effect, providing children and teens with the tools and coping skills they need to begin their healing journey. This center, built with BHCIP funding, will be a beacon of hope for our community.”
STRTP FOR ONE: St Anne’s Family Services designed STRTP FOR ONE with one bed that offers highly individualized, comprehensive care to young mothers ages 13-17 who are at risk of multiple placements, homelessness, and incarceration due to their complex mental or behavioral health needs. The program is staffed by a team of highly coordinated and trauma-informed clinical professionals to provide strength-based, client-centered interventions within a home-like environment. The program aims to equip these youth with tools to address their complex trauma, foster independent living skills, and develop real-time parenting skills with natural support.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with DHCS to address the critical mental health needs of young families in our community,” said Lorna Little, MSW, President and CEO of St. Anne’s Family Services. “We are uniquely positioned to provide specialized services to young women in crisis—women who are pregnant or parenting, seeking to reunite with family members, and learning to stabilize within our programs to make a successful transition.”
WHY BHCIP IS IMPORTANT: Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and substance use disorders. BHCIP is addressing historic gaps in the behavioral health care system to meet the growing demand for services and supports throughout the lifespan of people in need.
DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS will distribute up to $4.4 billion in competitive Bond BHCIP funding, including $3.3 billion for Round 1: Launch Ready grants as part of Behavioral Health Transformation, DHCS’ work to implement Proposition 1. DHCS holds regular public listening sessions on this effort. Updates and recordings of the sessions are available on the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage.
ACERCA DE LA RONDA 5 DE BHCIP: CRISIS Y SALUD CONDUCTUAL CONTINUUM: BHCIP Round 5 was developed, in part, through a statewide needs assessment that identified significant gaps in available crisis services. This assessment showed the need for a better crisis care system to reduce emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and incarceration. The 33 awards, totaling $430 million, are being used to build and expand crisis care and behavioral health facilities statewide and will serve vulnerable Californians of all ages, including Medi-Cal members.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
La nueva hoja de ruta describe estrategias para crear un sistema más equitativo y centrado en el paciente para las mujeres embarazadas y en el posparto
SACRAMENTO – The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today released the Birthing Care Pathway report, a comprehensive plan to improve maternity care for Medi-Cal members. This roadmap covers the journey of all pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members from conception through 12 months postpartum, aiming to make care accessible, equitable, and patient-centered.
“The Birthing Care Pathway represents a critical step forward in California’s commitment to improving maternal health,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “By centering member experiences, aligning policies with actionable recommendations, and strengthening partnerships across sectors, we aim to ensure every Medi-Cal member has access to safe, equitable, and comprehensive maternity care.”
KEY OBJECTIVES: The Birthing Care Pathway report details policies DHCS has implemented or is in the process of implementing to support all pregnant and postpartum members enrolled in Medi-Cal. Additionally, the report identifies opportunities for future exploration.
The Birthing Care Pathway prioritizes:
The Birthing Care Pathway will work to achieve these objectives by transforming Medi-Cal’s maternity policy to create a member-centered approach to prenatal and postpartum care that meets members where they are and provides whole-person care that addresses behavioral health and social needs in addition to medical needs. DHCS will revise and modernize existing Medi-Cal policies to provide members with increased choice of types of maternity providers and supports, like doulas, community health workers, and others, and creating critical linkages between health care and other programs across the state to make it easier for members to get the full range of needed services.
Additionally, DHCS will address the needs of special populations who are pregnant/postpartum, including people involved with the justice system, individuals with severe mental health and substance use needs, LGBTQI+ individuals, and Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander individuals.
DHCS will continue working with state departments, including the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Office of the California Surgeon General (OSG), maternity care and social services providers, state and local leaders, Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCP), birth equity advocates, and other partners to implement the Birthing Care Pathway policies outlined in the report. Continuing to engage a diverse set of partners to implement and further develop the Birthing Care Pathway will be vital to align the numerous maternity initiatives occurring so they are not siloed.
“Through a comprehensive, whole-person approach, California is not just enhancing perinatal health, but we are setting a bold new standard for care that delivers better outcomes for families statewide,” said California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos. “The Birthing Care Pathway is a vital addition to the state’s efforts that advance perinatal health, building on the innovative, collaborative work already underway.”
“Having served rural communities throughout my career, I know that providing access to services from conception through one year postpartum has always been a challenge,” said Dr. Robert Moore, Chief Medical Officer at Partnership HealthPlan of California. “Collaborations like the DHCS Birthing Care Pathway are vital in bringing together multiple partners and stakeholders to find solutions. The entire community must engage on this issue to make lasting progress.”
WHY THIS MATTERS: Nearly one in eight U.S. births occur in California, and 40 percent of those births are covered by Medi-Cal. While California currently has the lowest maternal mortality rate in the nation, Medi-Cal members have a higher rate of maternal mortality than individuals with commercial insurance.
While the Birthing Care Pathway lays out a long-term strategy for transforming maternity care in Medi-Cal, many services and supports are already available to pregnant and postpartum members. Medi-Cal members can access comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal and postpartum visits, doula services, behavioral health care, and lactation support, through their health plan and provider network. DHCS remains committed to improving and expanding these services as part of the ongoing work to implement the Birthing Care Pathway.
ABOUT THE BIRTHING CARE PATHWAY: The Birthing Care Pathway includes policy recommendations that address the physical, behavioral, and health-related social needs of pregnant and postpartum members. Opportunities include improving access to providers, strengthening clinical care and care coordination, providing whole-person care, and modernizing how Medi-Cal pays for maternity care.
The Birthing Care Pathway is part of a multi-year commitment to transforming maternal health in California, and maternal health reform is already underway. DHCS is implementing the federal ten-year Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model in five Central Valley counties: Kern, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Madera. TMaH is a delivery and payment model designed to test whether effective implementation of evidence-informed interventions, sustained by a value-based payment model, can improve maternal outcomes and reduce Medi-Cal program expenditures.
COLLABORATIVE PROCESS: The Birthing Care Pathway reflects a collaborative effort of pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members, state partners and a range of health care and social services providers, community-based organizations (CBO), and advocates, ensuring a community-informed policy approach to the future of birthing and maternal health care in California. Additionally, the California Health Care Foundation and the David & Lucile Packard Foundation provided funding to support engagement and report development. Key insights from Medi-Cal members highlighted critical needs, such as respect for birth preferences, access to racially concordant and culturally centered care, improved behavioral health support, and better care coordination. Member experiences directly shaped the pathway’s policy recommendations. For more information, please visit the Birthing Care Pathway webpage.
“Learning about the Birthing Care Pathway gave me a sense of relief and hope because it meant I could take care of my and my baby’s health without adding additional stress,” said M. Thao, mother of an 11-month-old baby. “Every time I called for help to navigate resources and to sign up for the program, I received clear guidance from Medi-Cal. That feeling of knowing you’ll be OK is one I hope every birthing parent in California can count on.”
A BROADER VISION FOR MATERNAL HEALTH: DHCS will work with MCPs, providers, CBOs, and other stakeholders to implement TMaH Model elements, which are aligned with and complementary to the Birthing Care Pathway. Additionally, DHCS is working with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, CDPH, and OSG to develop a Maternal Health Strategic Plan by September 2025 to improve maternal health throughout California.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Los servicios de salud conductual se expanden a 4,800 personas anualmente
SACRAMENTO — On January 23, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Sierra Vista Child & Family Services celebrated the opening of a new facility in Stanislaus County to close gaps in mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Center will provide vital behavioral health services, including restorative justice practices for youth, mental health counseling, pregnant and postpartum services, family and parent support services, and other integrated services.
DHCS awarded Sierra Vista Child & Family Services more than $4.6 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), which works to ensure comprehensive behavioral health care for California’s most vulnerable individuals. The facility is expected to serve 4,800 individuals annually. With approved Proposition 1 bonds, in 2025 and 2026, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built.
“The Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Center is an important part of California’s efforts to bring high-quality, holistic health care to rural and underserved communities,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “The opening of this center is a game-changer for people seeking dignified and holistic behavioral health services in Stanislaus County.”
“It is our mission to strengthen families and communities,” said Andrew Timbie, Chief Executive Officer for Sierra Vista Child & Family Services. “We believe our strategic initiatives to embody that mission are played out effectively in investment and further development of our Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Center in the heart of Stanislaus County, a vulnerable and struggling neighborhood.”
SIERRA VISTA CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES: Sierra Vista Child & Family Services offers a diverse array of services, including Enhanced Care Management, mentoring, short-term residential therapeutic programs for foster youth, and perinatal substance use disorder treatment programs.
The new Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Center was built using BHCIP funds to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and the entire Stanislaus community. The center serves children and youth under age 25 from underserved, at-risk populations, including people who are involved in the juvenile justice system with low criminal offenses, as well as their family members. Services include strength-based assessments, comprehensive case management services, links to local community resources, family and caregiver education and well-being support, mental health screenings, and pregnant and postpartum services.
WHY BHCIP IS IMPORTANT: Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with mental health and substance use disorders. BHCIP is addressing historic gaps in the behavioral health care system to meet the growing demand for services and support throughout the lifespan of people in need. Sierra Vista Child & Family Services received BHCIP Round 4: Children and Youth grant funding.
DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS will distribute up to $4.4 billion in competitive Bond BHCIP funding, including $3.3 billion for Round 1: Launch Ready grants as part of Behavioral Health Transformation, DHCS’ work to implement Proposition 1. DHCS holds regular public listening sessions on this effort. Updates and recordings of the sessions are available on the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage.
ACERCA DE BHCIP RONDA 4: NIÑOS Y JÓVENES: BHCIP Round 4 focused on Californians ages 25 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum women and their children and transitional-age youth ages 18-25, along with their families. Through funding made possible by California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, the 52 awards totaling $480.5 million allowed for new construction and expansion of multiple outpatient and residential facility types, including children’s crisis residential programs, perinatal residential substance use disorder facilities, community wellness/youth prevention centers, and outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Sacramento — La Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)) otorgó 2,7 millones de dólares a 15 coaliciones locales a través de la California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN), una respetada red estatal de aprendizaje dedicada a combatir la epidemia de sobredosis. Esta financiación proporcionará un apoyo sostenido a las coaliciones que respaldan la misión de COPN de fortalecer las conexiones dentro de las comunidades y proporcionar acceso a conocimientos, formación y recursos para mejorar las prácticas y generar un cambio duradero.
"Tradicionalmente, el tratamiento del trastorno por uso de opioides estuvo compartimentado con conexiones limitadas entre los proveedores y otras organizaciones, lo que provocó lagunas en la atención", dijo Michelle Baass, directora del DHCS. "Esta financiación apoyará los esfuerzos de COPN para ayudar a coordinar coaliciones, organizaciones e individuos que trabajan a la vanguardia de la epidemia de sobredosis en California para priorizar necesidades únicas y localizadas e implementar soluciones probadas que salven vidas."
MARCAR LA DIFERENCIA: Las quince coaliciones galardonadas emplearán esta financiación entre el 1de enero de 2025y el 30de agosto de 2027para implementar estrategias que aborden la prevención, tratamiento y recuperación de la sobredosis. Estos esfuerzos incluyen la distribución de naloxona, la ampliación del acceso a recursos que salvan vidas y la educación comunitaria, todo ello orientado a reducir las muertes por sobredosis y fomentar la recuperación a largo plazo en todo el estado.
POR QUÉ ES IMPORTANTE: Más de 7.000 californianos murieron por sobredosis de opioides en 2022. Más de 83.000 muertes por sobredosis relacionadas con opioides se producen cada año en todo el país, de las cuales el 90 por ciento están relacionadas con fentanilo.
IMPACTO DE LAS SUBVENCIONES: "Como resultado de esta financiación, nuestra coalición seguirá proporcionando educación y concienciación comunitaria para reducir el consumo de opioides y aumentar las oportunidades de prevención de sobredosis", dijo Jenn Rhoads, coordinadora de la Coalición de la Coalición San Luis Obispo para la Seguridad de los Opioides. "También mejoraremos el acceso a los proveedores para aumentar la disponibilidad de tratamientos y servicios de reducción de daños en todo el condado."
"Esta financiación fortalecerá las iniciativas actuales de nuestra coalición y ampliará nuestros esfuerzos para llegar a más poblaciones", dijo Arthur Camargo, coordinador de la Coalición para Drug Safe Solano. "Específicamente, estos fondos nos permitirán ampliar los servicios de reducción de daños, la formación y distribución de naloxona, así como los eventos y formación de educación comunitaria. La financiación también apoyará los esfuerzos de nuestra coalición para actualizar y difundir recursos dirigidos a los prescriptores para recetar opioides y buprenorfina de forma más segura, y emplear nuestros datos para defender el uso óptimo de los fondos locales de liquidación de opioides."
By strengthening connections and providing vital resources, COPN’s network and training give coalitions the tools and support they need to tackle the overdose epidemic effectively.
VISIÓN GENERAL: Este proyecto está financiado por la subvención estatal Opioid Response IV otorgada por la Administración de Servicios de Abuso de Sustancias y Salud Mental. El proyecto forma parte de los esfuerzos más amplios del DHCS para abordar los trastornos por consumo de sustancias, conocidos colectivamente como el Proyecto de Respuesta a Opioides de California, para aumentar el acceso a la MOUD, reducir las necesidades de tratamiento no cubiertas y disminuir las muertes relacionadas con sobredosis de opioides mediante la provisión de actividades de prevención, tratamiento y recuperación. Para más información, por favor visite la página web del DHCS.
El estado lanzó opioids.ca.gov, una herramienta integral para los californianos que buscan recursos para la prevención y el tratamiento, así como información sobre cómo California está trabajando para responsabilizar a las grandes farmacéuticas y a los narcotraficantes en esta crisis.
Las entidades elegibles pueden obtener gratuitamente un spray nasal de naloxona de 4 mg de venta libre (OTC) con la marca CalRxa través del Proyecto de Distribución de Naloxona de DHCS. CalRx está trabajando en una opción para que las personas puedan comprar directamente el spray nasal de naloxona de venta libre de CalRx.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Sacramento — El Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)) otorgó casi 65,4 millones de dólares a 91 organizaciones para fortalecer el California Hub and Spoke System, un modelo probado diseñado para aumentar el acceso a los servicios de medicamentos para el trastorno por uso de opioides (MOUD) en todo el estado. Esta financiación mejorará los servicios de prevención, tratamiento y recuperación en todo el estado, avanzando en la lucha contra la crisis de los opioides y salvando vidas.
"Superar la epidemia de opioides requiere que todas las partes de nuestro sistema de salud pública trabajen juntas para la recuperación", dijo Michelle Baass, directora del DHCS. "El Sistema Hub and Spoke fortalece la red de proveedores de prevención, reducción de daños, tratamiento y recuperación de California al mejorar los servicios y recursos en comunidades de todo el estado."
The Hub and Spoke System consists of a network of Narcotic Treatment Programs (known as Hubs) licensed to dispense methadone and other MOUDs. These Hubs are connected to other MOUD prescribers (known as Spokes), which primarily provide various formulations of buprenorphine—a medication that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms—and ongoing opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) care and treatment.
POR QUÉ ES IMPORTANTE: Más de 7.000 californianos murieron por sobredosis de opioides en 2022. Más de 83.000 muertes por sobredosis relacionadas con opioides se producen al año en todo el país, más del 90% de las cuales están relacionadas con fentanilo. El Sistema Hub and Spoke aumenta el acceso a los servicios de Tratamiento Asistido con Medicación (MAT) en todo el estado, especialmente en los condados con las tasas de sobredosis más altas. Este Program se modeló según el sistemaVermont Hub and Spoke (Hub and Radio), que aumentó con éxito el acceso a la MAT en un estado rural con poca infraestructura de tratamiento. El proyecto aumentó la disponibilidad de MAT para pacientes con TUO al incrementar el número total de médicos, asistentes médicos y enfermeros especialistas que prescriben buprenorfina.
El Sistema Hub and Spoke sigue mejorando la educación, la divulgación y el tratamiento para pacientes con SUDs y OUDs, con un enfoque particular en atender a poblaciones vulnerables y aumentar los servicios de MOUD. El sistema está diseñado para:
QUÉ SIGNIFICA ESTO: Noventa y una organizaciones recibirán premios para proporcionar servicios MOUD para implementar el Sistema Hub and Spoke desde el 1de enero de 2025hasta septiembre de 29 2027. Entre los beneficiarios se encuentran Programde tratamiento de narcóticos, Centros de Salud Federalmente Calificados, Clínicas de Salud Rurales, clínicas comunitarias, organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro y entidades tribales.
REPERCUSIÓN DE LA SUBVENCIÓN: «Esta financiación permite a Venice Family Clinic ofrecer apoyo vital a las personas con trastornos por consumo de sustancias (SUD), independientemente de si cuentan con seguro médico», afirmó Ariel Peterson, directora de Gestión de Programas de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias ( Program ) de Venice Family Clinic. “Esto incluye medicamentos para el trastorno por consumo de opiáceos, asesoramiento, gestión de casos y transporte a centros de desintoxicación o ancianatos.”
"Nos sentimos honrados de recibir esta financiación para apoyar nuestro Program MAT para el OUD, lo que nos permite seguir proporcionando servicios críticos de alcance y médicos a pacientes nativos americanos de alto riesgo", dijo Judith Surber, directora de MAT Program del Centro Médico K'ima:w. "El MAT Program sigue siendo una parte integral de nuestro centro médico y de la comunidad más amplia a la que servimos. Esta financiación ayudará a aumentar nuestra Program, reducir el estigma y disminuir la mortalidad por sobredosis de opioides en nuestra comunidad rural tribal. Fomentando un entorno clínico estructurado, nuestro objetivo es empoderar a los pacientes para que reconstruyan sus vidas y contribuyan como miembros productivos de la sociedad, apoyando a sus familias y comunidades."
"Con el apoyo financiado del Sistema Hub and Spoke, nuestras Program de tratamiento ambulatorio, residencial y de opioides pueden ofrecer una divulgación más amplia a la comunidad sobre el MOUD que salva vidas y proporcionar a más pacientes sin seguro o con seguro insuficiente acceso igualitario a MAT", dijo Andrea Nee, Directora de Evaluación de Clare|Matrix. "La financiación del Sistema Hub and Spoke es fundamental para apoyar a nuestros directores médicos, al personal de asesoramiento y enfermería a poder ofrecer el tratamiento de la más alta calidad a aún más pacientes con OUDs y trastornos por uso de estimulantes. Podremos mejorar el conocimiento y la conciencia sobre los beneficios e impacto de la MAT y reducir aún más el estigma mediante servicios integrales de educación y participación de pacientes."
VISIÓN GENERAL: El estado lanzó opioids.ca.gov, una herramienta integral para los californianos que buscan recursos para la prevención y el tratamiento, así como información sobre cómo California está trabajando para responsabilizar a las grandes farmacéuticas y a los narcotraficantes en esta crisis.
El Sistema Hub and Spoke se financia con la subvención estatal Opioid Response IV, otorgada por la Administración de Servicios de Abuso de Sustancias y Salud Mental. Este proyecto forma parte de los esfuerzos más amplios del DHCS para abordar las SUD, conocidas colectivamente como Respuesta a Opioides de California, para aumentar el acceso a los MOUDs, reducir las necesidades de tratamiento no cubiertas y disminuir las muertes relacionadas con sobredosis de opioides mediante esfuerzos de prevención, tratamiento y recuperación. Para más información, por favor visite el sitio web de la Visión General de la Respuesta a Opioides del DHCS de California.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — In response to the Southern California wildfires, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requested and received federal approval from the Biden-Harris administration of several dozen flexibilities to prevent disruptions in health care delivery so Medi-Cal members can continue to receive needed care. 1135 waivers allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive various administrative requirements to increase access to medical services during a time of national emergency. 1135 waiver approvals remain in effect throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared by former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, which is 90 days.
"El DHCS está comprometido a ayudar a los californianos a acceder a la atención que necesitan durante esta devastadora crisis y a medida que las comunidades comienzan a emerger y recuperar", dijo Tyler Sadwith, director estatal de Medicaid. "Las exenciones concedidas por nuestros socios federales proporcionarán las flexibilidades necesarias para que los proveedores sanitarios puedan atender las necesidades inmediatas de los afiliados a Medi-Cal. Ya sea cerciorando el acceso continuo a los servicios clínicos en entornos alternativos, proporcionando flexibilidades específicas para servicios en casa y en la comunidad, o agilizando la inscripción de proveedores, estas medidas están diseñadas para eliminar barreras a la atención y apoyar tanto a los pacientes como a los proveedores de primera línea durante esta emergencia y durante todo el proceso de recuperación."
Key flexibilities include:
SOBRE LAS FLEXIBILIDADES: Bajo las exenciones 1135, los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid (CMS) están relajando temporalmente ciertos requisitos de Program Medicare, Medicaidy Seguro de Salud Infantil para ayudar a los proveedores y centros sanitarios a responder ante una emergencia o un desastre. Las aprobaciones del Apéndice K proporcionan flexibilidades adicionales específicas para servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad Program. Estas acciones están diseñadas para reducir las cargas administrativas y proporcionar flexibilidad en la capacidad de la atención sanitaria durante un momento crítico
OBTÉN AYUDA HOY MISMO: Los californianos pueden visitar CA.gov/LAFIRES, un centro de información y recursos de los gobiernos estatal, local y federal.
Covered California anunció recientemente un periodo especial de inscripción para los residentes de los condados de Los Angeles y Ventura . Este periodo especial de inscripción durará hasta el 8de marzo de 2025. Los recursos están disponibles a través del condado de Los Angeles y del Estado de California. De los 1,3 millones de californianos sin seguro que califican para subsidios a través de Covered California o son elegibles para la cobertura Medi-Cal, 356.000 residen en el sur de California.
California developed resources to help guide people through disasters and provide information about the different types of federal, state, and local services available in California:
Through the BenefitsCal portal, Californians can get and manage benefits online. This includes food assistance (CalFresh, formerly food stamps), cash aid (CalWORKs, General Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants), and affordable health insurance (Medi-Cal).
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from the Southern California wildfires can apply for disaster assistance:
Si empleas un servicio de retransmisión, como un servicio de video retransmisor, un servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, da a FEMA el número de ese servicio.
ANTECEDENTES: En respuesta a los incendios forestales y a la 72025 proclamada Orden de Estado de Emergencia y Ejecutiva emitida el de enero de, el DHCS implementó rápidamente flexibilidades administrativas clave para proteger a los afiliados a Medi-Cal en las regiones afectadas del estado.
DHCS gestiona Medi-Cal, la versión de Californiade Medicaid, proporcionando cobertura sanitaria a casi 15 millones de personas, incluyendo cerca de 4 millones de miembros en Los Angeles condado y más de 250.000 miembros en Ventura condado. Si los afiliados a Medi-Cal necesitan ayuda, deben contactar con su proveedor de atención sanitaria o su plan.
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Oficina de Comunicaciones
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov