XOV XWM TSHIAB​​ 

DHCS KAWM NTAWV RAU LUB CHAW UA HAUJ LWM NTAWM COV KEV PAB CUAM HAUJ LWM HAUJ LWM HAUV TSEV KAWM NTAWV 1: SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW DIGITAL POLICY MANUAL​​ 

Lub nroog yuav tsum tsim kom muaj lub pob tshab tshiab thiab muaj kev lav phib xaub rau kev puas siab puas ntsws thiab kev siv yeeb tshuaj rau lawv cov neeg nyob hauv lub Xya Hli 2026.​​ 

SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) invites Californians to provide public comment on the first set of directions to counties on their behavioral health transformation. Comments will be accepted on the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 from November 8 through December 2, 2024. The final document will provide guidance to counties in developing their new integrated behavioral plan as required by Proposition 1. To streamline the process of engaging and incorporating public feedback, DHCS developed a digital tool that will allow the public to submit their comments more easily.​​ 

“Through Proposition 1, we are transforming and enhancing the behavioral health landscape in California, making services more accessible and equitable,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We value public input as we work to implement these policies and make improvements that will benefit all Californians.”​​ 

WHAT’S IN THE MANUAL: The County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual guides counties and partner organizations in meeting Proposition 1’s goals, including integrated community planning, expanded funding, and housing support for people in need. The public comment period allows Californians to provide insights on each section, ensuring the transformation aligns with community needs.​​ 

Thaum kawg, Phau Ntawv Qhia Txog Kev Hloov Pauv Txoj Cai Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv ntawm Lub Nroog yuav yog phau ntawv qhia ntau yam uas pab cov nroog thiab cov koom haum koom tes ua raws li cov kev cai hloov pauv kev noj qab haus huv raws li tau piav qhia hauv Txoj Cai Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv ntawm Tus Kheej, suav nrog kev tsim thiab siv Cov Phiaj Xwm Sib Koom Tes ntawm Lub Nroog.​​    

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: To support clarity and efficiency, DHCS is releasing the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual in smaller, more manageable parts called “modules.” Each module focuses on specific areas of policy and procedure, allowing stakeholders to engage with and understand each section in depth. Module 1 includes guidance on County Integrated Plans, community planning, funding, and housing interventions. The module is being released using software that will allow Californians to directly submit feedback that can be analyzed and incorporated into the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual.​​ 

HOW TO COMMENT: DHCS encourages interested Californians to review and comment on the County Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 to provide input through the user-friendly, online platform. This innovative platform allows for more interactive engagement, including new search-friendly functions to aid the content development process, allowing input to be easily provided and taken into consideration. An instructional training video provides additional guidance on submitting comments. Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. PST on December 2, 2024. For any specific public comment-related inquiries, please email BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.​​ 

BIGGER PICTURE: Under Governor Gavin Newsom, California is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities for Californians. Proposition 1, which was passed by voters in May 2024, includes two parts: a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for treatment settings and housing with services, and historic reform of the Behavioral Health Services Act to focus on people with the most serious illnesses, substance use disorders, and housing needs. DHCS is implementing Proposition 1, including the Behavioral Health Services Act, through several initiatives that will transform behavioral health to improve services for Californians. More information about California’s transformation of the state’s entire mental health and substance use disorder system is available at mentalhealth.ca.gov.​​ 

KAWM NTAWV NTXIV: Yog xav tau cov lus nug lossis cov lus taw qhia txog Kev Hloov Pauv Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv, thov xa email rau BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov. Thov mus saib nplooj ntawv web Behavioral Health Transformation kom paub txog cov xov xwm tshiab thiab cov peev txheej ntxiv, suav nrog cov ntaubntawv povthawj ntawm cov rooj sib tham rau pej xeem tsis ntev los no.​​ 

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