California has millions of dollars to spend to prevent behavioral health problems. State seeks public input

Top line:

State health officials say an influx of nearly $100 million a year in Prop. funding. 1 will be dedicated to efforts to prevent mental health and substance use disorders. California is seeking public input on how best to spend the money.

The backstory: Californians passed Proposition 1 last year. The ballot measure cleared the way for nearly $6.4 billion in behavioral health bonds and revamped how counties can spend annual tax revenue set aside for mental health. California Department of Public Health announced this week that it would have nearly $100 million in annual funding for activities such as overdose prevention education and campaigns to prevent suicide.

Looking for comments: The Department of Public Health said it is seeking public input on how to spend the funds, about half of which is to be devoted to prevention efforts among people 25 or younger.

On December 11, the department is organizing a virtual panel on prevention strategies. Members of the public are invited to attend and time will be allowed for questions and comments. You can register for the panel here.

What’s next: The annual funding Prop. 1 reserved for behavioral health prevention will be available in July 2026.