SACRAMENTO (February 25, 2025) – Recently-appointed California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson laid out her vision for California’s behavioral health care systems at the Steinberg Institute’s Vision 2030 Solution Symposium on February 25. Speaking from the event stage to policymakers, providers, and advocates, Johnson made a commitment to revolutionizing California’s behavioral health system through the implementation of innovative new policies, like Proposition 1.
“Proposition 1 presents a historic opportunity to transform behavioral health service delivery, building upon recent initiatives and investments,” said Johnson, “It creates a unified approach to behavioral health care throughout the state, ensuring services meet the needs of all communities.”
In addition to Proposition 1, Johnson pointed to increased funding for the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, expansion of crisis services, and investment in brick-and-mortar spaces for care as building blocks of transformation for California’s behavioral health system. She emphasized, however, that these are only the foundation of system transformation, and called on policymakers, providers, and advocates to unite in support of successful implementation.
“We must work together in the service of Californians with behavioral health needs, especially those who are the most vulnerable and experiencing the deepest disparities,” said Johnson.
She also called out the Steinberg Institute’s Vision 2030 initiative and its goals of reducing hospitalization, homelessness and incarceration for Californians living with behavioral health conditions by half. Johnson also said the Steinberg Institute’s Vision 2030 and California’s behavioral health transformation efforts were a shared commitment to transforming behavioral health for future generations.
About the Steinberg Institute
Founded in 2015 by former Sacramento Mayor and State Senate Pro Tem Emeritus Darrell Steinberg, the Steinberg Institute has been the driving force behind sweeping improvements in California behavioral health policy. The Institute is dedicated to transforming California’s mental health and substance use care systems through our Vision 2030 Initiative. Our Vision: California sets the standards for the nation in prevention, treatment and recovery, where all people receive quality care and support when, where, and for as long as they need it. Visit us at www.steinberginstitute.org.