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Behavioral Health Commission outlines vacancies, program changes and BHSA transition in 2024 annual report
Summary
The Board received the El Dorado County Behavioral Health Commission’s 2024 annual report, which highlighted staffing vacancies, progress on clinician hires, preparation for the state Behavioral Health Services Act transition, and continuing needs for commission membership and transitional housing planning.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors received the 2024 annual report from the Behavioral Health Commission on Tuesday and heard a presentation summarizing the commission’s activities, membership changes, staffing challenges and program priorities.
Jim Abram, chair of the Behavioral Health Commission, presented the report and walked board members through the commission’s role under Welfare & Institutions Code sections 5604 and 5604.2, its monthly meetings, ad hoc committees and 2024 accomplishments. The commission reviewed MHSA public hearings, offered substantive comments, participated in local program evaluations and convened ad hoc committees on evaluation, youth involvement and data sharing.
The commission highlighted persistent staffing vacancies in the Behavioral Health Division: the presentation used monthly data showing clinician vacancy rates had fallen from 66% to about 52% as of the meeting, and the mental health manager position had recently been filled. Abram said new hires on the West Slope and in intensive case management would help reduce clinician caseloads.
The commission also described challenges tied to the state’s Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA, referenced as Proposition 1), including a reallocation of about 30% of prior MHSA funding into BHSA housing priorities and the need to plan for transitional housing. Commissioners urged continued outreach to fill vacant seats (including youth representation and a Department of Education member) and asked for clearer mechanisms for the commission to advise the board.
Board members and commissioners discussed whether the commission’s advice is effectively channeled to supervisors; Abram and supervisors agreed to explore regular reporting or a brief board update when the commission raises formal concerns. The board received and filed the report; no formal action was required.
What’s next: The commission will continue monthly meetings, pursue recruitment to fill vacancies, participate in BHSA rollout planning for 2026, and follow up with the board on any formal recommendations.
