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SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today shared new data showing how Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports are increasing and helping more people as part of the state’s Medi-Cal transformation under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM).
“The trends reflected in the data demonstrate the real and growing impact of CalAIM in supporting the health and well-being of Medi-Cal members,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We’re seeing especially strong progress in reaching children and youth, expanding access to critical supports like housing and food, and growing the provider networks needed to deliver these services. Together, these efforts are helping more Californians live healthier, more stable lives.”
WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW: Since ECM launched in January 2022, more than 326,000 unique Medi-Cal members have enrolled in this benefit that provides comprehensive, person-centered care coordination for members with complex needs. In the last three months of 2024 alone, more than 149,400 members received ECM services, including more than 31,000 children and youth under 21, nearly four times more than when ECM launched for these groups in July 2023.
Community Supports are also reaching more Medi-Cal members. By the end of 2024, approximately 368,400 members had used these services, with more than 920,000 total services delivered. These supports offer cost-effective, community-based alternatives to traditional medical care, addressing social factors that impact health. Of those who accessed Community Supports in Q4 2024:
WHY THIS MATTERS: More Medi-Cal members with complex medical and social needs are accessing ECM and Community Supports. Key drivers of growth include:
PROVIDER NETWORKS ARE GROWING: The number of providers delivering ECM and Community Supports has grown significantly. Managed care plans now hold approximately 2,600 provider contracts for Community Supports alone, up from about 750 in early 2022. This reflects a strong commitment from community-based organizations, housing providers, and local health systems to support CalAIM’s goals.
COMMUNITY SUPPORTS ARE COST-EFFECTIVE: DHCS’ June 2025 cost-effectiveness report shows that Community Supports help reduce overall health care costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and long-term institutional care, while improving health outcomes.
WHAT’S NEXT: Starting January 1, 2026, Transitional Rent will become a mandatory Community Support and will be available to provide up to six months of rental assistance to members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, are experiencing significant behavioral health needs, and meet certain risk factors. This is another important step in making sure Medi-Cal members have the support they need to live healthy, stable lives in their communities.
DHCS will continue to center feedback from Medi-Cal members to ensure ECM and Community Supports are responsive, accessible, and equitable. By listening closely to people who are directly impacted, California aims to enhance the effectiveness of these programs and better support members’ health and well-being.
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Office of Communications
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SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) remains committed to protecting the privacy and well-being of all Medi-Cal members. Recent reports and legal developments have raised serious concerns about how federal agencies use Medicaid data, including personal information for the more than 14 million Californians covered by Medi-Cal. We want to share what we know.
On December 29, 2025, a federal court ruled that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may share limited information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) only for individuals who are not “lawfully residing” in the United States. However, some uncertainty remains as the federal government has not provided California with any information about how it plans to implement the court’s order. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.
Information that may be shared about people who are not “lawfully residing” in the United States includes citizenship or immigration status, address, phone number, date of birth, and Medicaid ID. CMS must exclude anyone who is “lawfully residing” in the United States. If data of individuals who are not lawfully residing in the United States cannot be separated from the data that is still protected (e.g., data of lawful permanent residents, U.S. citizen data, sensitive health records, etc.), CMS cannot share the data with ICE. These restrictions remain in place while the multistate lawsuit is ongoing.
DHCS is required by federal law to submit monthly reports to CMS through the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS). These reports include basic demographic and eligibility details, such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number (if provided) or Medicaid ID, and immigration status, for every Medi-Cal member. While the court order permits CMS to share limited data under specific conditions, DHCS remains committed to safeguarding member privacy and is monitoring developments closely.
In sharing data for immigration enforcement purposes, CMS has broken a 60-year commitment to protect the health and well-being of millions of families. Make no mistake: This is a grave breach of public trust. No one should be forced to live in fear of seeing the doctor or going to the emergency room.
Canceling Medi-Cal coverage today does not erase information already sent to immigration enforcement. For individuals concerned about how the federal government may use their personal information for immigration reasons, please consult a qualified attorney or qualified legal aid nonprofit organization.
We are committed to transparency, privacy, and ensuring that all Californians, regardless of immigration status, feel safe accessing the care they need. We will continue to engage with community partners, share updates, and defend the health, well-being, and privacy of all Medi-Cal members.
UPDATED JANUARY 2, 2026
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Office of Communications
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Project Will Serve 7,665 Individuals Annually
SACRAMENTO — As California continues to strengthen its behavioral health care system, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Safe Passages today celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Wellness Center in Oakland. Funded by almost $9 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 4: Children and Youth, the center will offer community-derived models of mental health services to a projected 7,600 individuals annually in an outpatient setting.
“The opening of the Safe Passages Community Wellness and Prevention Center is a powerful investment in the future of our children and youth. Every child has a right to the tools they need to reach their full potential, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or disability,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We are supporting community-driven efforts that create safe, healing spaces where young people can access the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. This center will serve as a critical hub for early intervention and prevention, helping children and families build resilience and well-being that lasts a lifetime.”
SAFE PASSAGES COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND PREVENTION CENTER: The center will provide mental health services for children and youth in Alameda County from birth to young adulthood, with a focus on high-risk populations. The expanded center will offer early childhood development programs that deliver maternal services and parenting education implemented by early childhood mental health professionals, which are community-derived, research-based, and proven as best practices. These programs include the Life Coaching Program, perinatal and early childhood mental health programs, parent-child psychotherapy, pregnant and postpartum programs, parenting programs, transitional youth development programs, individual and group counseling, and career exploration sessions.
“For more than 29 years, Safe Passages has been committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in our communities and to supporting families and youth to engage in the development of our own solutions and paths,” said Safe Passages CEO Josefina Alvarado Mena. “This wellness center is a gathering space and safe haven where we can build community, share, and grow together.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Nearly 1 in 13 California children and youth experience a serious emotional disturbance. Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure, helping communities meet rising demand and close historic service gaps. These investments are especially critical in rural communities, ensuring people can access timely, life-saving care without having to travel long distances.
BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS is distributing 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 recently released the Proposition 1 Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs Request for Applications (RFA). Eligible organizations can apply for funding to construct, acquire, or rehabilitate properties that expand behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members and other Californians in need. DHCS will award more than $800 million in grants to support community-based facilities for mental health and substance use disorder care.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 4: CHILDREN AND YOUTH: BHCIP Round 4, part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, focuses not only on children and youth, but all Californians ages 25 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum women and their children and transition-age youth ages 16-25, 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. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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Office of Communications
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DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today announced the availability of data showing that Medi-Cal Community Supports are successful and cost-effective. The data show that Community Supports are delivering on their promise to address Medi-Cal member needs—reducing avoidable emergency department visits, hospital stays, and long-term care use while showing strong early signs of cost savings. All 12 Community Supports studied are reducing costs, and of these, nine have already demonstrated cost-effectiveness within the initial study period. The remaining three are projected to reach that threshold over a longer study period, consistent with federal rules for evaluating cost-effectiveness.
“Community Supports represent a fundamental shift in how we deliver health care to Californians, enhancing quality of care for Medi-Cal members and strengthening the overall efficiency and equity of our health care system,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “These findings confirm that these services are not only improving lives, but also reducing avoidable health care costs. By scaling these supports statewide, we’re making meaningful progress toward a person-centered Medi-Cal system that meets members where they are and prioritizes prevention, dignity, and value.”
California’s Community Supports were approved in the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) waivers and phased in by Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCP) beginning in 2022. CalAIM is the state’s initiative to transform Medi-Cal to improve care quality, reduce complexity, and advance equity through data-driven, whole-person care initiatives.
WHY THIS MATTERS: Medi-Cal currently offers 14 Community Supports. These services promote housing stability, ease transitions from institutional settings, support in-home care, provide healthy meals, and offer caregiver relief, helping members avoid costlier hospital or emergency care. The report analyzed 12 of these supports to assess their impact on health and cost outcomes. These 12 out of 14 Community Supports were studied because they are authorized under California’s 1915(b) CalAIM waiver, which California is required to report on each year to the federal government.
DHCS submitted its annual 2024 report to the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. It analyzes the impact of 12 Community Supports on member health care, including a new cost-effectiveness analysis for calendar year 2023. Key highlights from the report include:
COST-EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS: Research showed that 9 of the 12 Community Supports studied are already demonstrably cost-effective, and three are likely to be proven so over time, consistent with federal rules. Members using these services typically saw net reductions in (or offsets of) applicable service costs. Examples include:
The cost-effectiveness analysis may be understated due to the short evaluation period, resulting in immediate costs being fully captured but not longer-term savings. DHCS acknowledges that broader initiatives, like Enhanced Care Management, may influence these results. Future evaluations may refine these methods as more data become available, and an independent evaluation will be conducted in line with waiver requirements.
IMPACT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTS: The expansion of Community Supports has increased access in rural and underserved areas, with health plans such as Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, and Partnership HealthPlan of California leading efforts to introduce new services in both urban and rural counties. These three plans are among the largest in the state and demonstrated significant expansion of Community Supports in 2024, both in terms of the number of new services elected and geographic spread, particularly in rural counties. As a result, Medi-Cal members in all 58 California counties now have access to a broad array of Community Supports.
WHAT’S NEXT: DHCS released an updated Community Supports Policy Guide that is aligned with the Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports Action Plan. On July 1, 2025, the new Transitional Rent benefit will be optional for MCPs to offer, and will become the first mandatory Community Support on January 1, 2026.
DHCS remains committed to expanding and strengthening Community Supports to better meet the health-related social needs of Medi-Cal members statewide. California is building on its historical efforts to address whole-person care through prevention, dignity, and stability, while keeping an eye on the bottom line. This approach is already making a difference, particularly in reducing avoidable health care use and improving the experience of members with multiple and complex health needs.
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Office of Communications
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DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Project Will Serve 3,650 Foster Youth Annually
SACRAMENTO — On May 16, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Sycamores celebrated the groundbreaking of Sycamores’ Children’s Crisis Continuum Program, a new behavioral health facility in Altadena. This transformative project will target gaps in the crisis continuum for foster youth across Los Angeles County, with the aim of addressing crises early to avoid escalation in care. DHCS awarded Sycamores more than $2 million for the project through Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum.
BHCIP is a key component of Mental Health for All, 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.
Just days earlier, on May 12, DHCS awarded $3.3 billion in competitive grant funding through the Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready awards. This historic investment is funding 124 projects across 42 counties to create or expand 214 behavioral health facilities across California. This investment will result in 5,077 new residential treatment beds and 21,882 new outpatient slots for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, bringing essential behavioral health services closer to the Californians who need them most, including those in the foster care system.
“We’re working to ensure foster youth with significant mental health needs are supported with the services they need,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Organizations like Sycamores are essential to transforming how we respond to urgent behavioral health challenges. By bringing compassionate, community-based care directly to children and youth in need, they exemplify a behavioral health system that meets people where they are with dignity, support, and hope.”
SYCAMORES’ CHILDREN’S CRISIS CONTINUUM PROGRAM: This project will target gaps in the crisis continuum specifically for foster youth by creating a psychiatric health facility with eight beds and a crisis stabilization unit with 10 slots, projected to serve 3,650 individuals annually in an outpatient setting. This project will help support youth living in the community who are experiencing a crisis to avoid the need for a higher level of care in more restrictive settings. The programs are designed to give youth and caregivers tools to manage their crisis, including skill-building, psychiatric monitoring, psychiatry, therapy, case management, and medication management.
“With the groundbreaking of Sycamores’ new children’s crisis programs, our organization will be in the unique position of meeting the urgent mental health needs of thousands of children and youth in crisis throughout Los Angeles County,” said Debra Manners, Sycamores’ President and CEO. “Considering Sycamores’ long-standing reputation for providing compassionate, life-changing care, we are honored to be able to expand our services with the opening of our programs.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: More than 1.2 million adults in California live with a serious mental illness, and 1 in 13 children has a serious emotional disturbance. Also, 82 percent of Californians experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental health condition, and 1 in 10 Californians meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. Additionally, shortages of behavioral health treatment sites contribute to rising rates of homelessness and incarceration among people with mental health disorders.
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.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 5: CRISIS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTINUUM: BHCIP Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum 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 system of crisis care 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. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Thanks to Prop 1, today’s funding is estimated to create over 5,000 residential treatment beds and more than 21,800 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build upon other major behavioral health initiatives in California.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced $3.3 billion in grant funding today to create over 5,000 residential treatment beds and more than 21,800 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health care services and will build upon other major behavioral health initiatives in California. Administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready awards will significantly expand access to care for Californians experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders, including those experiencing homelessness.
Here is a list of today’s awardees.
“Californians demanded swift action to address our state’s behavioral health crisis when they voted for Prop 1 in March 2024. Today, we’re delivering our biggest win yet. These launch-ready projects will build and expand residential beds and treatment slots for those who need help. Whether it’s crisis stabilization, inpatient services, or long-term treatment, we’re ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time.” ~Governor Gavin Newsom
When fully awarded, funding from Proposition 1 bonds is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build on other major behavioral health initiatives in California.
Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency: “Today marks a critical milestone in our commitment to transforming California’s behavioral health system. Through these awards, we are investing in bold, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, promote equity, and meet people where they are. These projects are a reflection of our values and vision for a healthier, more compassionate California.”
Michelle Baass, DHCS Director: “This is a generational investment in California’s behavioral health future. We are not just building facilities. We are building hope, dignity, and pathways to healing for thousands of Californians. These investments will significantly enhance our state’s capacity to provide timely, effective care for individuals in their own communities.”
WHY THIS MATTERS: The Bond BHCIP Round 1 awards will help to create a comprehensive behavioral health system, ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time, whether it be for crisis stabilization, inpatient care, or long-term treatment. As part of the state’s goal to reduce mental health crises, increase the availability of services, and support community-based solutions, these investments are vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability and accessibility of behavioral health services.
Through BHCIP, DHCS has competitively awarded grants to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure for behavioral health. Proposition 1, passed in March 2024, increases funding opportunities to expand BHCIP to serve even more Californians with mental health and substance use disorders through infrastructure development.
BIGGER PICTURE: California’s Mental Health for All initiative is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities. BHCIP supports the creation, renovation, and expansion of facilities that serve individuals with mental health and substance use disorder needs, with a focus on crisis care, residential treatment, and outpatient services. DHCS has already awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants.
There is a 7,000-plus behavioral health bed shortfall in California, contributing to unmet needs among people experiencing homelessness who have mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Bond BHCIP funding is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build upon other major behavioral health initiatives in California. This investment will help address the behavioral health bed shortfall.
WHAT COMES NEXT: Today’s announcement represents the first of two Bond BHCIP funding rounds. The second round, Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs, will provide over $800 million in competitive funding awards for behavioral health treatment facilities and is open to all entities. Interested entities are encouraged to apply after the Round 2 Request for Applications goes live as soon as later this month.
Additionally, the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will oversee up to $2 billion in Proposition 1 funds to build permanent supportive housing for veterans and others who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have mental health or substance use disorder challenges.
LEARN MORE: For more information about Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready, please visit the BHCIP website. Additional guidance on Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready and Round 2: Unmet Needs is available here. Visit the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage for updates and resources, including recordings of regular public listening sessions.
Here is a list of today’s awardees.
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Office of Communications
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Project Will Serve 3,760 Individuals Annually
SACRAMENTO — As California continues working to strengthen its behavioral health care system, on April 18, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Mark Twain Health Care District celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new Crisis and Wellness Center in Calaveras County. Funded by more than $3.3 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum, the center will offer urgent mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and early intervention to serve 3,760 residents annually.
“Investing in behavioral health infrastructure is a critical step toward ensuring that every Californian — no matter where they live — has access to timely, equitable, and quality care,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We’re pleased to support Mark Twain Health Care District as it expands vital services that will strengthen community wellness and support individuals on their path to recovery. Bringing care closer to home helps prevent crises before they escalate and strengthens the local support networks people rely on.”
MARK TWAIN HEALTH CARE DISTRICT: The expanded Crisis and Wellness Center is projected to serve 3,760 individuals annually. The center will provide outpatient behavioral health treatment, including therapy, medication management, and psychiatric urgent care. Additionally, the project will leverage partnerships with youth organizations to provide early intervention services geared toward preventing joblessness, homelessness, substance use, and confinement.
“Patients in Calaveras County are underserved, often confined or incarcerated, and, if they finish school, are frequently involved with justice authorities,” said Randy Smart, CEO of Mark Twain Health Care District. “Our community recognizes that these outcomes are preventable and treatable, but more resources are desperately needed. Our county has the willpower, leadership, and vision to commit to an outpatient crisis center and prevention center that will be a critical step forward in meeting the demand for behavioral health care.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. 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. 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, helping communities meet rising demand and close historic service gaps. These investments are especially critical in rural communities, ensuring people can access timely, life-saving care without having to travel long distances.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 5: CRISIS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTINUUM: BHCIP Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum 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 system of crisis care 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 Californians of all ages, including Medi-Cal members. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Project Will Expand Capacity by 40 Beds, Serving Nearly 1,000 Children and Individuals Annually
SACRAMENTO — On April 4, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Kedren celebrated the groundbreaking of Kedren South-Psychiatric Acute Care Hospital & Children’s Village to serve the South Los Angeles community. This transformative project will provide a comprehensive system of care and support for children and youth experiencing significant mental health challenges—all in one location. It is funded by DHCS’ Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 4: Children and Youth and will serve as an integrated “Village Care” model designed for children and their families to receive their services.
DHCS awarded Kedren more than $57 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.
“The Kedren Children’s Village represents a critical resource in ensuring the well-being and future of our state’s most at-risk children. By prioritizing funding for this campus, California has reinforced its commitment to being a leader in providing high-quality, compassionate care that supports the mental and physical health of children in need,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Kedren’s comprehensive approach to mental and physical health care aligns with our vision for a healthier, more resilient future for all children in California. It is an investment not just in their lives, but in the strength and prosperity of our communities.”
Kedren South-Psychiatric Acute Care Hospital & Children’s Village: This project was awarded more than $57 million through BHCIP. The facility will provide life-changing care for children and youth suffering from mental illness, trauma, and other behavioral health challenges. The BHCIP-funded portion of the new campus will consist of an acute psychiatric hospital with 24 beds (will serve more than 520 individuals annually), a children’s crisis residential program with 8 beds (will serve nearly 300 children annually), and a psychiatric health facility with another 8 beds (will serve nearly 100 individuals annually). In addition to the BHCIP grant, part of the campus will have two buildings – funded with Mental Health Services Act funds – to include children’s outpatient services and provide transitional housing for children experiencing mental difficulties and their families for up to 18 months.
“For nearly 60 years, Kedren has been committed to eliminating health disparities in South Los Angeles by expanding access to care,“ said Kedren CEO Gregory Polk. “The Children’s Village will be the first of its kind in the nation, providing a full continuum of mental health care for children and youth on one campus. We are looking forward to providing these needed and valuable resources for our community.”
Kedren will offer a myriad of evidence-based therapies, including individual, group, family, recreational, occupational, and play. Staff will tailor treatments for each child with a mix of individual psychotherapy, behavioral modification, family counseling, and psychotropic medications. Kedren will also provide specialized assessments, such as psychological testing and occupational therapy assessments.
“The challenges we face in behavioral health are significant, but today, we demonstrate our collective commitment to building a strong, comprehensive system of care that will improve lives for years to come,” said Baass.
“Thanks to BHCIP, trusted community providers like Kedren will finally have the facilities and resources to provide essential services across the continuum of care, enabling individuals to receive the right care at the right time in the right setting with providers they trust.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. 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.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 4: CHILDREN AND YOUTH:BHCIP Round 4, part of the 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.
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Office of Communications
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Project Adds Sixteen New Peer Respite Beds to People Awaiting or Leaving Residential Treatment
SACRAMENTO — On January 29, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) attended Placer County’s opening of a new 16-bed adult peer respite that provides a safe, supportive, and home-like environment for adults awaiting placement in residential treatment programs or exiting such programs to a lower level of care. The facility, dubbed “The Harbor,” will begin welcoming clients on February 3 through a referral-based system managed by Placer County’s substance use team.
DHCS awarded Placer County nearly $400,000 through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (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.
“Too often, restrictive inpatient settings are the only option available to people experiencing a mental health crisis,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Community-based, trauma-informed, and resilience-focused centers like The Harbor have the potential to revolutionize California’s approach to behavioral health treatment and recovery.”
THE HARBOR: The new facility will include peer respite designed to complement the Placer County Health and Human Services Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) treatment continuum by providing a structured environment for people leaving residential placements or awaiting placement. Residents will engage in self-help recovery activities while potentially also participating in outpatient care.
Services provided include ongoing needs assessment across the behavioral health and physical health spectrums, case management, crisis management, trauma-informed individual and group therapy, peer-to-peer supportive services, linkage to cultural supports and services, and other necessary referral services for a safe and efficient discharge back into the community. These services are designed to provide less costly and less intrusive care than those offered in a hospital setting.
“The Harbor will offer a compassionate, supportive environment where individuals can regain their strength, heal, and reconnect with their sense of well-being,” said Placer County Behavioral Health Director Amy Ellis. “This facility is part of Placer County’s ongoing efforts to build and expand its behavioral health infrastructure to respond to people in need.”
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.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 3: LAUNCH READY: BHCIP Round 3 supported preparation activities to plan for the acquisition and expansion of behavioral health infrastructure throughout the state. The 45 awarded facilities were funded a total of $518.5 million. BHCIP applicants were required to demonstrate service expansion for Medi-Cal members and have a valid planning process to ensure projects are ready for implementation.
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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Awards Will Support Local Emergency Medical Services Agencies in Stanislaus and Ventura Counties
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $800,000 to two Local Emergency Medical Service Agencies to foster low-barrier access to clinically proven opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment for patients in an emergency medical services (EMS) setting who are at risk of overdose and often do not have access to services in other settings.
“This is an innovative and lifesaving approach to address the opioid crisis. By equipping emergency medical service providers to render treatment in the field, we are meeting patients where they are and connecting them with ongoing care. This program has the potential to reduce opioid-related deaths and improve long-term health outcomes for some of California’s most vulnerable people,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass.
The grants—awarded through the Emergency Medical Services Buprenorphine Use Pilot Program (EMSBUP) to the Stanislaus County EMS Agency and Ventura County EMS Agency—will enable these two agencies to address substance use disorder as a treatable emergency condition, utilizing paramedics to identify and treat patients who would benefit from medications for addiction treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in treating OUDs and helping some people sustain recovery.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: The EMSBUP has pioneered a cutting-edge approach for delivering MAT through EMS. The population served by EMS has a high risk of death from overdose. In a study of 12,000 patients who received naloxone from EMS, 10 percent died within the following year. Another study found that one-third of all patients who died from unintentional overdose had contact with EMS in the year preceding their death. With an estimated 26,000 911 calls for overdose in California, EMS is a critical and underutilized intervention point for expanding access to MAT, delivering harm reduction, and connecting patients with care.
GRANT AWARDS: This program will assist EMS providers in coordinating with navigators to provide linkages to care options for EMS patients with an OUD and provide a system for patients who sign out against medical advice to have access to outpatient treatment options. The project will run from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027. It will also collect de-identified data for research and monthly performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment model.
Additionally, resources will be provided to Local Emergency Medicine Service Agencies to support the initiation and sustainability of this treatment model, which includes a naloxone distribution program, EMS-initiated first dose of buprenorphine, and substance use navigation.
GRANTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Through State Opioid Response (SOR) grant funding, EMSBUP builds upon an initial SOR-funded project in Contra Costa County in 2020 in which 260 paramedics were trained to identify and treat OUD from an ambulance, more than 2,000 patients were screened for OUD, 120 received buprenorphine in the field, and 55 were connected to ongoing MAT. The results of this work encouraged other counties to adopt the model. To date, this model has been extended to 11 LEMSAs covering 13 counties to train 1,300 paramedics.
“Buprenorphine administration by EMS provides a high-risk population with access to buprenorphine at a critical and ideal time to receive buprenorphine – post overdose, when patients are in withdrawal and may be more inclined to accept treatment. EMS-administered buprenorphine brings treatment to patients versus patients having to seek out treatment, which has the potential to reduce fatal overdose, reduce crime rates, and save lives. With the right teams in place, patients can start buprenorphine in the field, get connected to emergency services, start feeling better within a few hours. and continue buprenorphine treatment through MAT programs after being discharged from the emergency department,” said Phoebe Blaschak Oliveira, RN, PHN, BSN, Public Health Nurse Program Manager, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Choosing Change Clinic.
BIGGER PICTURE: In 2023, Governor Newsom launched his Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, which provides a comprehensive framework to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis, including aggressive steps to support overdose prevention efforts, hold the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, crack down on drug trafficking, and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids, including fentanyl.
The EMSBUP is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is part of DHCS’ broader efforts to address substance use disorders, collectively known as the California DHCS Opioid Response, to increase access to MAT, reduce unmet treatment need, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. The California DHCS Opioid Response focuses on populations with limited MAT access, including youth, people in rural areas, and American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal communities. For more information, please visit the DHCS website.
DHCS also created the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) to combat opioid overdose-related deaths throughout California. The NDP aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths through the provision of free naloxone. For more information about the state’s opioid response, visit opioids.ca.gov.
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