Sheriff's office describes CalAIM funding and conditional go-live for pre-release Medi-Cal services

The Imperial County Sheriff's Office reported progress on California's CalAIM justice-involved reentry initiative and associated Department of Health Care Services grants. Lieutenant Juan Galindo summarized multi-round grant awards that total $6.1 million and said earlier rounds helped the department move from planning to implementation. "The long term objective for CalAIM is to have Medi-Cal reimbursement funds support the operational delivery of services and salary support for staff to deliver pre-release services and overall program sustainability," Galindo said.

Captain Juan Chavarim outlined services delivered through the program: Medi-Cal enrollment before release, mental-health and substance-use treatment linkages, medication continuity and housing and transportation navigation. The office reported conditional approval to begin operational Medi-Cal billing following a DHCS readiness assessment; rounds 3 and 4 have expenditure deadlines through 06/30/2027. The sheriff's office said expanded claims processing could sustain positions and services that reduce post-release overdose, homelessness and recidivism. Board members thanked staff for pursuing grant funding and noted that the program increases both services for individuals leaving custody and potential long-term county savings related to recidivism and health care costs.