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California has millions to spend on preventing behavioral health conditions. The state is seeking public input
Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Jan. 3, 2024, to rally support for Proposition 1.
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Robert Garrova / LAist
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Topline:
State health officials say an influx of nearly $100 million annually in Prop. 1 funding will go toward efforts to prevent mental health and substance use disorders. California is seeking public input for how to best spend that money.
The backstory: Californians passed Proposition 1 last year. The ballot measure cleared the way for nearly $6.4 billion in bonds for behavioral health and rearranged how counties can spend yearly tax revenue set aside for mental health. The California Department of Public Health announced this week that it would have annual funding of nearly $100 million to go toward things like overdose prevention education and campaigns aimed at suicide prevention.
Seeking input: The Department of Public Health said it's seeking insight from the public on how to spend those funds, about half of which have to go toward prevention efforts for people 25 years old or younger.
Sponsored message
On Dec. 11, the department is hosting a virtual panel on prevention strategies. Members of the public are welcome to attend and time will be allotted for questions and feedback. You can register for the panel here .
What’s next: The annual Prop. 1 funding set aside for behavioral health prevention will be available July 2026.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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