Dozens of residents, providers and local advocates used the board's public-comment period Tuesday to urge the Board of Supervisors to reconsider its treatment of a proposed regional behavioral health campus supported by a large state grant application.

"I was so disappointed to hear that you guys voted not to be in support of the grant for mental health care in this county," Vicky Ono told the board, urging support for a project that would bring inpatient behavioral-health beds closer to families.

Several speakers described the practical hardships of out-of-county treatment. "I had a person in dinners who unfortunately committed suicide. She needed to go to a mental health facility. She wouldn't go because it wasn't in Redding," Ono said. Harry Rickert, a former member of the county mental-health board, argued that family proximity improves outcomes and reduces length of stay.

Other commenters criticized the board's decision process and cited concerns about vendor histories and transparency. A public speaker worried a 30-year contract would lock the county with a company that, the speaker said, has faced data breaches and management complaints; the speaker called 30 years "an extraordinary length of time in health care."

Several speakers praised supervisors who advocated for a more deliberative approach. Jeff Gorder said he was "very disheartened" by the way the board handled the prior vote, describing the process as "unfair" to project proponents. Supporters emphasized potential job creation, regional access to care and reduced costs associated with long-distance placements.

What the board did this meeting: On Oct. 28 the board did not approve or reject the True North grant at this meeting. Public comments repeatedly referenced an earlier board action (taken at a prior meeting) opposing the project; speakers urged reversal or a more transparent review but the Oct. 28 agenda did not include a new motion on the application.

Why it matters: Supporters say a local facility would allow families to remain nearby during treatment and reduce pressure on first responders and hospitals. Critics say more vetting of operators, contract length and financial details is required before the county should commit support.