Behavioral Health Advisory Board presents annual report; supervisors approve updated bylaws

Mark McCormick, chair of the Calaveras County Mental Health Advisory Board, presented the board’s annual report for Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2024, describing program accomplishments, staffing developments and continuing challenges for the county behavioral health system.

Highlights and strengths: McCormick said the agency had advanced a number of Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) programs, pursued a new behavioral health facility, and launched bridge housing and wraparound services to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. McCormick praised staff creativity, use of telehealth and the recruitment of a non‑site psychiatrist and interns to help fill clinical gaps.

Challenges and recommendations: The advisory board noted staffing shortages — particularly licensed supervisors and mid‑management clinicians — and urged incentives and targeted recruitment to retain and attract clinicians. The report also noted administrative leaves in 2024 had disrupted operations and recommended better fiscal and administrative coordination between behavioral health and HHSA fiscal staff to improve transparency and planning.

Board action: Supervisors moved to accept the annual report and approve the updated MHAB bylaws; the motion passed 5–0. The board directed Behavioral Health to post the bylaws and follow the reporting requirements described in the annual report.

Ending: McCormick thanked supervisors and staff; the board welcomed a new public works director earlier in the meeting but otherwise took no additional funding action on behavioral health at Jan. 28’s meeting.