Behavioral Health staff asked the Board of Supervisors for direction to pursue the state Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BCHIP) Round 2 grant to replace or expand the county's aging behavioral health facility and provide specialized treatment space required under upcoming program changes.

Why it matters: BCHIP funds infrastructure and can cover 90% of construction costs for eligible projects; staff said this is a rare opportunity to obtain large state construction funding that could expand local capacity for outpatient, perinatal and peer support services, as well as integrate protective services.

Staff said the current building has operational limitations and is not welcoming or efficient for modern treatment modalities. The department indicated it is working with consultants (Housing Tools) on a project estimate; staff said consultants have tentatively estimated a total project cost of about $23 million and a 10% county match of roughly $2.23 million. Staff also said an eligible match could be county-owned land adjacent to the existing behavioral health building.

Board members asked about timing, match financing and details of services to be provided. Staff said BCHIP funding timelines put funding availability in 2027 and that the county's match could be met in part with county-owned property as an eligible contribution. The proposed clinic would continue outpatient and intensive outpatient services, expanding peer support and case management; staff said the county links patients to prescribers (including for medication-assisted treatment) but confidentiality rules under 42 CFR present limitations on automatic information sharing without signed releases.

Board action: Supervisors voted to direct staff to proceed with the grant application and return to the board with a resolution and a letter of support at the next meeting. The motion to proceed was carried by recorded vote.

Context and next steps: Staff said if the board directs an application, the county will return with a resolution and letter of support and present refined project costs and financing timing. Board members suggested prioritizing a new build rather than retrofitting an existing commercial space because retrofits can be inefficient and costly.

Ending: The board approved moving forward with the BCHIP application; staff will return with formal documents and a financing plan.