Background​​​

In March 2024, Californians passed Proposition 1 to transform behavioral health (mental health and substance use challenges) by addressing gaps in care for the most vulnerable Californians. 

The two legislative bills that created the language in Proposition 1 are:

• Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) SB 326​
  
• Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act AB 531
  

Investing in Prevention

CDPH will receive funding to implement population-based behavioral health-prevention strategies.

• A minimum of 4% of BHSA funds will be directed for population-based mental health and substance use disorder prevention programs.  
• A significant portion of these prevention funds (51%) will be reserved for programs addressing prevention for populations who are 25 years or younger. ​

Improving Behavioral Health Outcomes

Behavioral health conditions have a growing impact on Californians. More than 50 different programs across CDPH work to improve behavioral health outcomes for all Californians. Examples include: 

• The groundbreaking California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP).
• Creation of the Office of Suicide Prevention and increased efforts to address the root causes of suicide and self-harm injuries.  
• The Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch and increased outreach, education, and harm reduction efforts. 
  
• CDPH is part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative​, which is currently leading three initiatives: ​
  

1. Never a Bother Campaign launched in March 2024 through the CDPH Office of Suicide Prevention. This is a multilingual youth suicide prevention media and outreach campaign, co-created with youth from across the state.   ​
   
2. The Youth Suicide Reporting and Crisis Response Pilot Program​ is developing and testing models to make youth suicide and attempted suicide reportable events that initiate rapid and comprehensive responses (i.e., crisis response) in schools and community settings.  
   
3. A public education and change campaign​ co-designed with youth to reduce stigma around behavioral health and to increase help-seeking behavior and wellness support. ​​​​