Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2006

Kirsten Y. Macintyre
Assistant Director, External Affairs
(916) 654-2441
Kirsten.Macintyre@dmh.ca.gov

STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARDS FIRST PROP. 63 FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Stanislaus County to Fund New, Expanded Mental Health Programs

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Mental Health (DMH) today announced that Stanislaus will be the first county to receive funding from the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) for local community mental health services.  Stanislaus will receive nearly $4.2 million for fiscal year 2005-06, which is the first installment of nearly $12 million in MHSA funding that has been earmarked for mental health programs in Stanislaus over the next three years.

“We’re proud to launch the transformation of public mental health services in California,” said Dr. Stephen Mayberg, director of DMH. “Through the receipt of Mental Health Services Act funds, counties will be able to initiate and expand vital mental health programs.”

Like all other counties applying for MHSA funding, Stanislaus was required to hold a series of town hall meetings where local stakeholders, including recipients of mental health services and their families, law enforcement, social services, faith-based organizations and others, were asked for their input.

“The most unique element of the Mental Health Services Act is that it involves so many community partners and stakeholders,” said Dr. Mayberg.  “These individuals and organizations at the local level know best what their counties need in terms of mental health programs and services. We are optimistic that this approach to investing mental health funds will result in a mental health system that is more accessible, responsive and accountable to the public.”

Voters approved the MHSA (Proposition 63) in November 2004.  MHSA funding is provided by very high-income Californians who pay an additional 1 percent tax on income over $1 million. There is no deadline for counties to apply for MHSA funding.  Currently, 31 counties have submitted plans that are under DMH review.  The amount of funding for which each county is eligible to apply was determined by a formula established by DMH. For more information about the MHSA, log on to Department of Mental Health's website.

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