Mart Brown

This Mental Health Services Act Program and Expenditure Annual Plan for Butte County Behavioral Health provides an annual update detailing the allocation and utilization of MHSA funds for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. It is guided by principles of community collaboration, cultural competence, consumer/family-driven services, wellness/recovery/resiliency, and integrated service experiences. The plan outlines programs and expenditures across key components including Community Services and Support (CSS), Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI), Innovation, Capital Facilities and Technology (CF/TN), and Workforce Education and Training (WET), aiming to expand mental health services, reduce stigma, and improve access to care for children, youth, adults, older adults, and their families within the county.

The board received a presentation from the Medical Director on psychosis and substance-induced disorders, including treatment methodologies and diagnosis criteria. The Director's report highlighted upcoming facility projects, current budget constraints affecting future RFPs, and an organizational leadership transition. Staff discussed updates regarding the Behavioral Health Services Act funding timeline, corrections facility operations, and construction projects. Additionally, the committee reviewed changes to bylaws and psychiatric advanced directives. A representative from a local free clinic raised concerns regarding service access barriers for patients, leading to a commitment from county staff to establish a liaison for improved coordination.

This document outlines the 'One Health' approach, championed by the California Department of Public Health, which emphasizes the critical interdependency of human, animal, and environmental health. It details the holistic strategy required to address pressing challenges, including zoonotic diseases, climate change impacts, toxic chemical exposure, antimicrobial resistance, water contamination, and food safety. The approach relies on intentional, consistent state and local partnerships, exemplified by initiatives like the Greater Sierra Sacramento One Health regional collaboration, to foster inter-agency coordination for effective response to outbreaks and complex public health issues.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and a review of the public participation protocol. New business included the review and approval of the draft December 17, 2025 meeting minutes and the draft 2026 BHAB Strategic Plan. The Medical Director's Report detailed the immediate and catastrophic impact of the sudden reversal and subsequent reversal of SAMHSA funding cuts, which affected billions in grants for substance use disorder and mental health programs. The report also provided context on broader Medicaid and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding cuts, and noted that the federal cuts were reversed the day after they were announced. The Director's Report covered updates on facilities, including the purchase of Riverside Village for Felony Incompetent to Stand Trial (FIST) placements, planned service wings in Paradise, and the anticipated opening of a locked Mental Health Rehabilitation Center in summer 2027. Budget discussions noted a state deficit and a proposal to place 24/7 Mobile Crisis services on hold, which prompted a recommendation for the Board to write a letter of concern to the Governor's office. Other topics included updates on SB43 and partnerships with Public Health regarding banning certain substances. The MHSA Coordinator discussed changes in state data requests, external quality reviews, and the impending due date for the Draft Integrated Plan. The Public Safety Update detailed progress on the new facility, including the opening of the intake area in February and the phased opening of the medical/mental health wing. Implementation of the 2026 BHAB Strategic Plan focused on goals for consumer membership, conducting a meeting in South Butte County, reviewing service gaps, educating members on provider performance reviews, advising legislative bodies, promoting stigma reduction, and improving collaboration with law enforcement. Public comment focused on the practical challenges of 5150 holds and crisis intervention due to evolving police response policies, leading to concerns about treatment access for gravely disabled individuals.

The Butte County Public Health 2022-2025 Strategic Plan outlines a shared vision for an integrated, culturally appropriate public health system focused on person-centered care and advancing health equity to improve system outcomes and population health. The plan is organized around six strategic priorities: ensuring a safe and healthy living environment, enhancing access to services and community engagement, advancing health equity, workforce development and performance, enhancing communication, and maintaining quality improvement and fiscal sustainability, all aiming for a healthy, thriving Butte County.