California leaders push for funding of peer-run mental health warm line services

The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding mental health services in California. The meeting featured a series of testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for continued funding and support for mental health initiatives, particularly the California Peer Run Warm Line.

The session began with Diana Luna from the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, who urged the legislature to reject proposals that would eliminate behavioral health bridge housing. She emphasized that such cuts could create significant gaps in housing support for vulnerable populations.

Esther Flores from the California Farmworker Foundation highlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health resources for farmworkers, noting that barriers such as language and transportation hinder their access to care. She praised Soluna, a culturally responsive telehealth platform, for addressing these challenges.

Edwin Rivera from Latino Health Access pointed out the unprecedented youth mental health crisis in California, stressing that traditional behavioral health systems are insufficient. He advocated for digital platforms like Soluna, which provide immediate support to youth, significantly reducing wait times for services.

Selena Lou Rafael from the California Alliance of Child and Family Services expressed gratitude for the $1.9 billion allocated for the BH Connect workforce initiative, acknowledging ongoing workforce challenges in the mental health sector. She called for community-based organizations to be included in supporting schools to enhance mental health services.

Megan Loper from the United Hospital Association raised concerns about the pace of the Office of Healthcare Affordability's initiatives, urging caution to ensure that access to care is not compromised.

Several speakers, including Lisa Sun Gresham and Jonathan Bennett, shared personal experiences with the California Peer Run Warm Line, which provides crucial emotional support and mental health resources. They emphasized the line's role in preventing crises and reducing the burden on emergency services. The Warm Line has reportedly handled over 40,000 calls in a single month, demonstrating its growing importance in the community.

Supporters of the Warm Line, including Sarah Singh Hoover and Peter Murphy, highlighted its effectiveness in providing immediate, judgment-free support to individuals facing mental health challenges. They urged the committee to secure funding to maintain and expand these vital services, particularly in light of increasing demand.

The meeting concluded with Mark Salazar, CEO of MHSF, reiterating the necessity of the Warm Line and other mental health services, especially as California faces a significant mental health crisis. He called for the legislature to prioritize funding for these essential resources to ensure that individuals and families receive the support they need.

Overall, the subcommittee's discussions underscored the urgent need for continued investment in mental health services, particularly for marginalized communities, as California navigates ongoing challenges in mental health care accessibility and support.