As Momentum Builds for Mental Health Crisis Response Teams, Cuts Loom

When California rolled out its 988 mental health crisis response hot line in July 2022, architects believed it would lead to an overhaul of the emergency medical system.

That hasn’t quite come to pass, but most communities across the state have taken steps toward this vision — and some of them have robust systems. Now they are worried about losing them due to looming federal and state budget cuts.

Opinion: Who Invests in the Organizations Transforming Medi-Cal?

For the past two years, I’ve co-facilitated meetings in five counties and helped lead numerous projects across California to help these organizations cope with the state’s demands. In nearly every meeting, I observe the same pattern: Community-based organizations are financing California’s Medicaid transformation out of their own organizational capacity.

This dynamic has equity implications that deserve attention.

California Ramps Up Food Access Efforts — Especially for Older Adults and Those With Disabilities

Medically tailored groceries are just one of the more creative methods advocates are using to get food to the most vulnerable Californians, including those who are disabled or elderly. 

With federal delays in dispersing SNAP benefits in November and other looming changes, people who work on the front lines of food access say this creativity is essential; it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation.

How Bay Area Nonprofits Are Supporting Families During Stressful Times

As federal health programs shift and immigration raids continue, a Bay Area alliance is stepping up its work to help families and prevent child abuse, which can increase during times of stress. 

”We need to really take a step back and take a look at what we are doing as a society to ensure that no one is living in poverty,” said Pegah Faed CEO of Safe & Sound in San Francisco.

Opinion: How California can Expand Early Mobility Support for Older Adults

As a rehabilitation clinician and director working directly with older adults, I see how effective early mobility support can be. Mild losses in leg strength or balance respond well to structured, simple routines when they are addressed early. The greatest need is access.

Several programs across California demonstrate how this access can be expanded.

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