Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Behavioral Health Innovations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $6.6 million Behavioral Health Innovations Phase 2 to test low‑barrier shelter model
Summary
The board approved an Innovations Phase 2 encumbrance using Mental Health Services Act funds to expand a low‑barrier, shelter‑like program serving people with serious mental illness and to pilot services for the substance‑use disorder population ahead of SB 43 and changes under the Behavioral Health Services Act.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved an Innovations Phase 2 project using Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds to expand a low‑barrier, shelter‑like care model for people with serious mental illness and to pilot services for people with substance-use disorder.
A Department of Behavioral Health presenter told the board the innovations funds are research‑oriented, that the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) approved the phase‑2 plan, and that the funds must be expended prior to the Behavioral Health Services Act changes referenced to begin July 2026. Staff described the model as a “shelter‑like care environment” serving people who are at a precontemplative stage of change and who are not yet ready to engage in standard treatment services.
Board members asked operational questions: staff said the facility capacity is roughly 30 people at any given time, the model was described originally as a 30‑day stay with possible extensions, and the contract term is three years. Staff said monthly throughput estimates would be provided as a follow‑up.
Ending
The board approved the suspension of competition (an AP‑34 exception) and encumbrance to move the project forward. Behavioral Health staff noted the project will inform implementation needs connected with SB 43 and related state funding changes.
