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Peer leaders tell CFC committee BHSA funding shift is forcing layoffs and cuts in peer-run services
Summary
Peer leaders and county behavioral health managers told the CFC advisory committee that moving prevention funding under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) and away from county-level MHSA programs is causing immediate cuts, layoffs and reduced service capacity at wellness centers and statewide warm lines. Speakers urged the commission to seek transitional funding and targeted supports for peer-run organizations.
Invited peer leaders and operators told the Client, Family, Community Inclusion advisory committee that the state's transition from the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) is producing immediate and severe impacts on peer-run organizations.
Katah Salami Tamplin, a peer in recovery and longtime peer leader, said the shift of prevention funding to the state level under BHSA reduces county-level prevention capacity and threatens the locally rooted services that keep people out of crisis. She told the committee prevention at the local level "is vital" and warned the restructured funding would have an "unprecedented" statewide effect.
Katrina, representing a wellness center in Alameda County, said…
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