By Bo Tefu

California Black Media

California is expanding mental health and substance use disorder treatment statewide with a new $1.18 billion funding round, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced March 12.

The investment supports 66 new projects across 130 behavioral health facilities, including rural and tribal communities, and creates additional residential and crisis treatment centers.

“It’s a big win,” said Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee, whose Hollywood Cares Foundation was conditionally awarded a $12.4 million grant that it plans to use to build a mental health center and respite center.

Thank you, Governor Gavin Newsom,” continued Lee.  “Thank you to everyone who worked really hard to make sure that Stockton kids, Stockton residents, Stockton parents and everybody has a place for these kids to get care services — but also to be able to get that light in them that I got in me years ago to be able to transform their lives.”

According to the Governor’s office, the funding, part of the Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (Bond BHCIP) under Proposition 1, brings statewide behavioral health investments to more than $4 billion. The program has already delivered 6,919 residential treatment beds and 27,561 outpatient slots, exceeding its statewide goals in just two years. In total, Proposition 1 now supports 177 projects across 333 facilities.

“Proposition 1 is doing exactly what we promised it would do: transforming California’s behavioral health system,” Newsom said. “In just two years, we didn’t just meet our goal of creating 6,800 treatment beds; we exceeded it. That means we’re finally closing the gap that’s left too many communities without the care they need. With this final round of awards, we’re not slowing down. We’re building a behavioral health system that actually meets the scale of the crisis — one that delivers treatment, support, and real stability for people who’ve been left behind for far too long.”

The program aims to help Californians suffering from mental illness and addiction, including those experiencing homelessness. It builds on the state’s first statewide drop in unsheltered homelessness in 15 years, which saw a 9% decline, according to Newsom’s office.

Officials said the new funding will allow local communities to expand residential and outpatient capacity, create crisis treatment centers and provide comprehensive support for those struggling with behavioral health challenges. The investment is expected to benefit millions of Californians who previously faced barriers to care, particularly in underserved areas.