NEW BHSA Funding Opportunity:
Culturally Responsive Early Intervention Access

Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Division is seeking qualified community-based organizations to provide culturally responsive early intervention behavioral health services for children, youth, and families in south Santa Cruz County. Through the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), approximately $200,000 annually will be distributed across multiple organizations to support services for monolingual Spanish-speaking, Indigenous language-speaking, LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families, and other underserved and historically marginalized populations.

Organizations with trusted community relationships and experience serving these populations are encouraged to apply. 
We are committed to supporting organizations throughout the application process to help make the process as clear and accessible as possible. Interested organizations are encouraged to email us at BehavioralHealth.ServicesAct@santacruzcountyca.gov with questions or for technical assistance as they prepare their proposal.

Attend one of the informational sessions (non-mandatory): 

  • Virtual – October 26, 2026 1pm-2pm
    Please email Shauna.Soldate@santacruzcountyca.gov to request the virtual meeting link.
  • In Person – November 5, 2026 10am-11am 
    Greg Caput Community Room
    500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076

Applications are due December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST
Visit the County of Santa Cruz Procurement Portal to view the RFQ and application information

About Prop 1 and the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)

California voters passed Proposition 1 to modernize and strengthen the state’s behavioral health system. As a result, the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) now allows funding to support individuals with substance use disorders, in addition to those with mental health conditions.

BHSA aims to improve California’s behavioral health system by:

  • Expanding access to care
  • Restructuring how funding is used
  • Increasing services and supports
  • Prioritizing individuals and communities with the greatest needs

The BHSA builds upon the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), first passed by voters in 2004. The MHSA—funded by a 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million—has helped counties across California enhance local mental health programs and supports.

2025 Community Forum Presentation

November 2025 BHSA Community Forum Presentation
Noviembre 2025 Presentación del Foro Comunitario de BHSA

BHSA Integrated Plan Documents

2026 Executive Summary | BHSA Integrated Plan
2026 Resumen Ejecutivo | Plan Integrado de BHSA

Final BHSA Integrated Plan FY 26-29
BHSA Plan Public Comments & County Responses

Three-Year Planning and Annual Updates
  • What is a three-year Integrated Plan (IP)?
    The BHSA 3-Year Integrated Plan (IP) details the programs being administered, budget allocations, program updates and/or implementations, population/communities being served, and links to the most recent outcomes measurement reports for all county-funded behavioral health services.
  • What is an annual update?
    BHSA regulations require counties to provide community partners with an update to the 3-year integrated plan on an annual basis.
  • How does the BHSA plan differ from the MHSA plan?
    The BHSA IP includes all county-funded behavioral health programs and services, whereas previous MHSA plans only reported on MHSA-funded programs. Under BHSA, counties are now required to engage a broader range of community members and partners throughout the planning process.
  • You are an integral part of this process!
    A large part of the process is engaging community members by providing them with an update to the programs being funded in the three-year plan. The community planning process allows partners the opportunity to provide feedback from their unique perspective about the programs and services being funded through BHSA.

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Activities

Visit the Behavioral Health Advisory Board webpage to learn more about this advisory commission and find meeting information. 

 

Resources

Walk-in crisis services are available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at:
1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. F, Watsonville, CA 95076

If you have questions or comments please email: BehavioralHealth.ServicesAct@santacruzcountyca.gov

Dial 2-1-1 for free information about health services in your community. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call, text, or chat 988 for free, non-judgmental support with mental health, substance use, or if you just need to talk. Available 24/7.  www.988lifeline.org
Behavioral Health Resource Guide: Local resources for community members who may be experiencing mental health crises or challenges.
Guía de Recursos de Salud Mental: Recursos locales para miembros de la comunidad que puedan estar experimentando crisis o desafíos de salud mental.
 If you have a medical emergency or are in immediate danger to yourself or others,
call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.