Contact: Molly Weedn | molly@weednpa.com
Millions of Californians rely on community health centers and clinics for access to mental and behavioral health services, many of whom would be left without care if dangerous initiatives passes
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Behavioral Health Association (CBHA), the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter (NASW California) and the California Alliance for Children and Family Services are the latest groups to join a broad and diverse coalition opposing the dangerous ballot measure that threatens care for millions of patients who rely on community health centers and clinics.
The integration of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services into primary care practices expands access, improves coordination of care, and supports a “whole person care” approach to serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Research shows that primary care is often the first point of contact for the detection and treatment of mental health conditions and SUDs, which frequently accompany a substantial number of general medical illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurological illnesses.
The culturally competent care offered in community health centers and clinics helps to make mental health conditions and SUDs more treatable for many underserved populations.
“At a time when California is working to transform its behavioral health system, the last thing we should do is undermine access to care,” said Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association. “Community clinics often serve as the front door for mental health and substance use services. Policies that force clinics to cut services or close will increase crises, drive up emergency room use, and set our progress back during a time when we need to preserve these vital services. This measure accomplishes the opposite of progress and equity. It threatens our already fragile safety net provider network and the clients it serves. CBHA stands in strong and steadfast opposition to the harm that these proposed cuts will bring to millions of Californians who need accessible and timely healthcare.”
This measure also excludes funding for new clinics – preventing community health centers from expanding access to care, including behavioral health care.
NASW California is committed to protecting the well-being of all communities and ensuring that people’s most basic needs are met, especially those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and too often left behind,” said Dr. Jasmine Smith, DSW, LCSW, Director of Capacity Building, NASW California Chapter. “So many of the people and families we serve rely on community health centers and clinics for access to health care and critical support services. This ballot measure would decimate that safety net, cut off access to care, and deepen inequities in communities across the state.”
“CA Alliance members are community-based organizations that provide vital mental health care to children in the safety net and support foster youth and the families who care for them. We understand the critical role of community health centers and clinics for the kids and families we serve, with children comprising half of all Medi-Cal patients in the state, and clinics serving 1 in 4 Medi-Cal patients,” said Pete Weldy, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services. “This ballot measure puts politics above patients—above children—jeopardizing access to essential care for millions. We cannot and will not stand by while children’s health and futures are put at risk.”
For a full coalition list, visit: https://protectpatientsca.com/our-coalition/