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San Diego supervisors approve $4.3 million bridge to protect early childhood therapy services
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $4.3 million from the Tobacco Special Revenue Fund to bridge funding for First Five San Diego's Healthy Development Services (HDS), preserving services that provide developmental screening, speech/occupational/behavioral therapies and parent coaching for more than 10,000 children.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on May 19 approved $4.3 million in bridge funding to keep First Five San Diego's Healthy Development Services (HDS) operating while the commission and county seek a long-term funding solution. Acting Chair Montgomery Stepp read the item on behalf of Chair Tara Lawson Reamer and the motion passed unanimously with all supervisors present voting yes.
Supporters told the board HDS provides developmental screenings, early speech, physical and occupational therapies, behavioral treatment and parent coaching for infants and preschoolers who lack access through private insurance or other systems. Rick Richardson, president and CEO of Child Development Associates and a First Five commissioner, said, "95% of children who complete developmental treatment make improvements," and argued that a 38% program reduction would leave more than 3,300 children without services.
The board heard more than 40 public speakers during a prolonged public-comment period. Providers and pediatricians said early intervention prevents more costly school- and justice-system involvement later, while some critics urged scrutiny of First Five's budgeting and of the proposed funding source (tobacco settlement revenue). Supporters, including Family Health Centers clinicians and child-development advocates, described HDS as a regional safety net used by more than 10,000 children and said a gap in services would delay assessments and treatment during a critical developmental window.
After supervisors described HDS's role and the urgency of early intervention, Chair Pro Tim McGary and Supervisor Desmond both voiced support for using the tobacco revenue to maintain services. The board emphasized the measure is a bridge pending a longer-term funding strategy.
The board recorded no amendments and directed staff to implement the transfer from the tobacco securitization fund and report back on contract and sustainability options. The action preserves existing HDS capacity through the next fiscal year while county and First Five officials pursue permanent revenue adjustments.
The board adjourned for lunch after the vote; the item was among the day's most heavily subscribed public-comment topics.
