The Steinberg Institute released its yearly progress report for Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to transform California’s mental health and substance use care systems, which hosted a symposium, launched an Ideas to Action convening series, and recognized individuals through its Champions program.
The Steinberg Institute and iFoster have launched a new website to expand access for opportunity youth to careers in behavioral health, providing peer support training and creating long-term, sustainable career opportunities within California’s behavioral health workforce.
The proposed federal Medicaid cuts in the “Big Beautiful Bill” could force California counties to bear an additional $1 billion in costs to maintain behavioral health services, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands without access to mental health and substance use treatment.
California’s mental health system is at risk of instability due to a $14 billion budget gap and potential cuts to Medicaid, which could impact local programs and services for vulnerable individuals.
Sal Montanez, a behavioral health services coordinator in rural California, was awarded the inaugural Richard Van Horn Award for his commitment to culturally responsive and recovery-focused behavioral health services, particularly for underserved populations.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised 2025-26 budget proposal includes $6.1 billion for behavioral health and substance use care, but advocates say it fails to fund critical criminal justice reforms, particularly those required to implement Proposition 36, and eliminates $1 billion in annual funding for homelessness response.
The Steinberg Institute has announced Amber Williams, CEO of Janus of Santa Cruz, as their first Champion for Mental Health Awareness Month, in recognition of her work in developing community-based alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.