NAMI California, joined by youth, veteran, and behavioral health advocacy organizations, held a press conference urging state leaders to preserve funding for critical community-based behavioral health services in the final state budget. Coalition representatives emphasized that maintaining these investments is necessary to fulfill the voters’ intent behind Proposition 1 and support the successful implementation of California’s ongoing behavioral health reforms.
Speakers highlighted concerns that proposed funding reductions could weaken key community engagement and oversight structures that help connect families, peers, youth, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other historically underserved populations to behavioral health services, supports, and advocacy opportunities. Advocates stressed that preserving these resources is essential to ensuring Proposition 1 funds are implemented as intended and remain responsive to community needs.
Featured speakers included Jessica Wilson (Cruz), Chief Executive Officer of NAMI California; Brenda Grealish, Executive Director of the Commission for Behavioral Health; Michael Blecker, President of the California Association of Veteran Services Agencies; and Dr. Yammilette Rodriguez, Chief Government Relations Officer for the Youth Leadership Institute.
You may view SYASL staff notes here.