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Behavioral Health Board urges continued state advocacy as federal cuts loom
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Summary
The Fresno County Behavioral Health Board delivered its 2025 annual report, highlighting CalAIM implementation, potential impacts of federal cuts under HR 1 on prevention services and calling on the board to press state legislators for substance-use disorder treatment funds for conservatorship populations.
The Fresno County Behavioral Health Board presented its 2025 annual report to the Board of Supervisors on April 21, urging continued advocacy for state and federal resources and noting implementation challenges tied to CalAIM and recent federal budget proposals.
In the report, the board said shifts under the Behavioral Health Services Act have moved prevention dollars to the California Department of Public Health and that potential federal cuts (discussed as HR 1 in the meeting) could reduce capacity for mild'to'moderate prevention and early intervention services. The board recommended that the county continue advocacy to state legislators for substance'use disorder treatment funds for people on conservatorship and support community'based organizations that provide prevention services.
"Behavioral health is fortunate that its federal waiver for BH Connect does not end until 2028," the report said, "but it will be impacted by Medicaid cuts in HR 1." The Behavioral Health Board also highlighted progress on housing collaborations and the integrated plan that will be posted for public comment.
Susan Holt, Fresno County Behavioral Health Director and Public Guardian, told supervisors the department is sharing training modules with contracted providers and is circulating an integrated plan for public comment; she also noted competitive grant opportunities via the state prevention framework and the importance of letters of support for CBOs seeking funding.
The board received the report; no formal action was required.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A at the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting, April 21, 2026, including remarks by the Behavioral Health Board presenter and Susan Holt (Behavioral Health Director).
