Published: March 11, 2026

A New Approach to Behavioral Health Prevention

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has finalized a comprehensive, statewide plan to prevent suicide, reduce overdose deaths, combat social isolation, and promote emotional well-being for all Californians. Funded by Proposition 1—the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)—this population-based prevention strategy marks a major step forward in California's effort to transform behavioral health care.

The plan focuses on prevention before crisis. Instead of waiting for people to reach a breaking point, California is investing in community-wide strategies that build resilience, strengthen connections, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Why This Plan Matters

While California has seen some progress in behavioral health outcomes, serious challenges remain:
- Suicide rates continue to affect individuals across all ages
- Drug overdose deaths remain a public health emergency
- Social isolation impacts mental health for many residents
- Systemic inequities leave some communities at higher risk

"This work through coordinated population-based efforts will ensure more Californians have access to the information, environments, and supports that promote behavioral health," said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer.

The plan prioritizes communities that have historically faced the greatest barriers to care—including children and youth, Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, older adults, Veterans, Tribal nations, and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Five Core Strategies for Statewide Impact

CDPH will lead a coordinated prevention effort built around five key approaches:

1. Statewide Policy and Prevention Initiatives

Develop and implement evidence-based policies that reduce behavioral health risks and promote social connection, emotional well-being, and early support.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns

Expand and modernize public education efforts, including new statewide campaigns focused on:
- Suicide and self-harm prevention
- Awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and warmlines
- Prevention of substance use disorders
- Reducing stigma around seeking help

3. Training and Technical Assistance

Provide practical training and resources for:
- Teachers and school staff
- Healthcare providers
- Community-based organizations
- Tribal partners
- Local health departments

The goal: equip those on the front lines with the tools to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect people to care.

4. Community Engagement and Coalition Building

Ensure that people with lived experience, youth, families, Tribal leaders, and community organizations help shape every stage of this work—from planning to implementation to evaluation. Statewide and regional workgroups will keep community voices at the center.

5. Local Mobilization and Coordination

Bring statewide strategies to the local level by:
- Expanding access to prevention programs in every region
- Ensuring outreach is culturally and linguistically appropriate
- Aligning local efforts with state goals to maximize impact

Building on What Works

This plan does not start from scratch. It builds on proven programs and lessons learned from:
- The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
- The California Reducing Disparities Project
- The Office of Suicide Prevention
- The Office of School Health
- The Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch's Overdose Prevention Initiative

By connecting these efforts under one coordinated framework, California aims to reduce duplication, close gaps, and make every dollar count.

What's Next?

Funding announcements will be issued in 2026 to support local implementation
New resources will launch, including a statewide evaluation framework and a list of community-defined evidence practices
Regular updates will be shared on the CDPH Transforming Behavioral Health webpage

CDPH developed this plan through extensive public input, including community listening sessions, Tribal consultations, and feedback from local governments and stakeholders across the state.

How This Affects You

For Individuals and Families

More accessible, culturally responsive prevention resources in your community
Greater awareness of mental health supports, including crisis lines and warmlines
Reduced stigma around talking about mental health and seeking help

For Community Organizations and Providers

New training opportunities and technical assistance
Funding opportunities to expand prevention programming
Stronger partnerships with state and local agencies

For Everyone

A shared commitment to building a California where behavioral health is treated with the same urgency and compassion as physical health
Prevention that meets people where they are—schools, workplaces, faith communities, and neighborhoods

Learn More and Stay Updated

For the latest information on California's behavioral health transformation, including the full Final Plan document and upcoming funding opportunities, visit the CDPH Transforming Behavioral Health webpage.

For general public health information in California, contact CDPH at (916) 558-1784.

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