California's Behavioral Health System is in Crisis
Californians experiencing a behavioral health crisis are increasingly unable to get the mental health or substance use care they need. Our behavioral health care delivery system is fragmented, overburdened and confusing.
About 1.4 million people in California live with a serious mental health illness. Millions more struggle with problems that occasionally rise to a crisis level. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse, especially for children. During the last year, more kids ended up in hospital emergency rooms for mental health conditions – up 24% for children ages 5-11, up 31% for kids ages 12-17.
We're at a crisis point. We need new statewide leadership and a new, effective behavioral health care delivery system that gets people the care they desparately need in the right setting.
Assembly Bill AB 1331 (D-Irwin) will establish a new statewide behavioral health leadership position. This person will be responsible for creating a comprehensive, integrated system of care – a first in California's history.
Join Our Health California — a grassroots coalition of more than 1 million people — urging lawmakers to approve a new approach to California's behavioral health care system. Contact your your lawmaker and ask them to vote YES on AB 1331.
Dear Elected Official,
Please vote YES on AB 1331 to improve behavioral health care for everyone in California.
As a supporter of Our Health California — a community of more than 1 million Californians advancing quality, affordable care for all — I'm concerned that our state's current fragmented behavioral health care system is failing too many Californians. The growing behavioral health crisis is causing many Californians to be unable to get the mental health or substance use care they need. Services vary widely depending on location and insurance, leading to significant gaps in care.
AB 1331 will establish a new statewide behavioral health care leadership position, thanks to Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin's work to advocate for equitable access to mental health care services.
I ask you, as a member of California's State Assembly, to support this important bill. Without this, too many of our neighbors, family, and friends will not get the crisis care they need and deserve.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
