SACCOUNTY NEWS

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the mental health of youth and adults, alike. At a time when the United States Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the growing mental health needs, Sacramento County is seeing fewer referrals for services. With the economic downturn, funding for Behavioral Health Services is impacted because of decreases in revenue from sales tax, vehicle license fees, and income tax.

Now more than ever, it is important to invest in Behavioral Health services. Sacramento County announces $9.69 million in funding for 35 Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) programs within the community. At a time that public health officials are noting the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on diverse communities across the United States, these new PEI programs showcase a broad portfolio of activities targeting the mental health of diverse communities.

Awarded programs focus on diverse communities such as African American/Black, Asian American, immigrant, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Native American and veterans. Programs will use a range of intervention strategies impacting important needs, such as maternal mental health, mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, outreach, and education.

“The local organizations who were awarded grants are already in our communities,” said Dr. Ryan Quist, Behavioral Health Director. “Our vision is that residents of our culturally and ethnically diverse communities have the opportunity to learn about mental health and available services and resources; experience optimum health and wellness; and access mental health care through this grant program.”

Increasing prevention and early intervention activities and programs relating to mental health and wellness in the community is key to reducing the negative effects of untreated mental illness. Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services, in partnership with the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) as a contracted administrator, is pleased to announce those local community organizations who have been awarded grants for the Sacramento County Community-Driven Time-Limited PEI Grant Program. 

CalMHSA is a Joint Powers of Authority, an independent administrative and fiscal government agency, focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects for its Members (including Sacramento County).  “Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services was pleased to partner with CalMHSA to administer this grant program to organizations in our communities who provide community-based services and resources,” said Dr. Quist.

Sacramento County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Steering Committee, community members and stakeholders supported using local MHSA PEI component funding for this PEI Grant Program. This grant program will fund prevention programs and activities that expand community capacity by promoting and building upon existing resources, skills and knowledge of our local communities. Grantees will develop and provide sustainable community defined prevention activities and strategies that promote mental health and wellbeing, increase awareness of mental health services and resources, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and wellness through engagement of our local diverse communities.

Sacramento County congratulates all selected grant​ees and looks forward to watching the impact of their work throughout our community. 

2020 Sacramento County Community-Driven PEI Time-Limited Grant Awardees:

A grant application for a second round of awards will be announced later this year. Watch for upcoming information about this grant program on the CalMHSA grant webpage​.