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PAC forwards $20M MHWA peer-respite outline to the full commission for pilot and scale-up
Summary
The committee recommended that the full commission consider a two‑phase $20 million Mental Health Wellness Act peer-respite initiative — $10M for spring‑2026 pilots/learning collaborative and $10M for a later tailored funding round — and approved a symbolic motion to forward the outline.
Courtney Ackerman, research scientist with the commission’s research and evaluation programs area, presented a two-phase outline for a $20 million peer-respite initiative funded by the Mental Health Wellness Act. Ackerman described peer respites as homelike, peer‑run short‑stay settings (generally seven to 14 days, with extensions possible) that provide peer support, linkages to services, and alternatives to hospitalization. The commission’s project team conducted site visits to seven peer respites, interviewed more than 40 experts and operators, and surveyed counties and peer‑run organizations across the state.
Phase 1, the staff proposal said, would invest $10 million in a pilot project and a learning collaborative: selected counties would partner with peer‑run organizations (PROs), receive technical assistance on partnership development, business planning and sustainable funding models, and participate in paired research and evaluation. Staff said Phase 1 would be funded from MHWA FY2025–26 funds, would be projected for release in spring 2026, require encumbrance by June 30, 2027, and expire June 30, 2029.
Phase 2 would use the remaining $10 million to provide tailored funding to new and existing peer respites statewide, informed by Phase 1 findings and with the learning collaborative continuing into Phase 2. Phase 2 funding would be encumbered by June 30, 2028 and expire June 30, 2030.
PAC discussion was brief and there were no public comments on this item. The committee held a symbolic roll‑call vote recommending the full commission adopt the MHWA peer-respite outline; the symbolic motion passed and will appear on the full commission docket in January.
