|
The California Downtown Association (CDA) supports Proposition 1, which includes two bills signed by the Governor, AB 531 and SB 326. This package aims to modernize the Mental Health Services Act and includes a $6.38 billion bond to construct new behavioral health housing and treatment facilities across the state. Californians will vote on this package, collectively known as Proposition 1, on the March 5, 2024 ballot.
If approved by voters, this bond will provide funding for the construction of more than 6,800 new behavioral health beds, 4,350 housing units, and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots. This increased capacity will better the lives of tens of thousands of people by filling critical needs for homeless Californians with severe behavioral health issues, children suffering from depression, and everyone in between.
California is facing a problem where individuals with serious mental health issues are having to wait six months or more for an introductory appointment. This is before they can start treatment! To tackle this issue, Proposition 1 aims to fund additional personnel to staff mental health facilities so individuals can get the help they need - when they need it.
Through Proposition 1, California can make amends for a decades long pattern of releasing thousands of mental health patients from hospitals without providing them with a place to call home. In the late 1950s, California had the capacity to treat 37,000 patients in state mental health hospitals, but because of actions taken by politicians of bygone eras, those beds were closed and never replaced. This has left some of the most acute mental health patients living on the streets in tents instead of in psychiatric beds where they could receive the care they need.
In recent decades, California has been a leader in mental health reform, but with Proposition 1, the time has come to modernize our approach and really make a difference. We urge you to join the CDA in advocating for a YES vote on March 5, 2024. We encourage you to share this message with your communities and emphasize the importance of this critical measure.
To sign up or learn more about Treatment Not Tents, visit www.treatmentnottents.com.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
Get the word out on social! We've created some sample posts that you can share with your community.
Sample Post: More than 10k California Veterans are homeless and on the streets, many suffering from PTSD. #Prop1 will provide $$ to help vets experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse. Vote #YesonProp1 #TreatmentNotTents https://treatmentnottents.com/
Sample Post: CA needs more mental health workers. Vote #YesonProp1 to help fund more mental health professionals so people aren't waiting months for initial care. #TreatmentNotTents https://treatmentnottents.com/
Sample Post: For too long, politicians have closed mental health hospitals w/o a place to treat those in need. Prop 1 will finally get those who need mental health off the streets and into the care they deserve. #YesonProp1 #TreatmentNotTents https://treatmentnottents.com/
| 
