Overview
In March 2024, California voters passed Proposition 1 to transform behavioral health statewide. Proposition 1 modernizes the state’s behavioral health system, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and community-based approaches that promote behavioral health and well-being across the lifespan. As part of Proposition 1 implementation, the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) reallocates allowable funding to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to support population-based behavioral health prevention efforts.

What We Know 
In March 2026, CDPH released the BHSA Population-Based Prevention Program Final Plan, a comprehensive statewide framework designed to prevent suicide, self-harm, and overdose, reduce stigma, and strengthen behavioral health and well-being for all Californians.

The Final Plan integrates the previously released Phase 1 and Phase 2 Guides. It describes CDPH’s strategic approach to implementing behavioral health transformation under Proposition 1.

At this time, CDPH is still developing statewide guidance that will outline expectations, timelines, and operational requirements for local health jurisdictions. This will include the transition and coordination of:

• Local Substance Use and Mental Health Prevention Efforts

• Suicide Prevention Efforts and Update of the Local Suicide Prevention Plan

Potential Funding for Community-Based Organizations
CDPH is expected to oversee the behavioral health prevention funding process for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). CBOs will likely apply directly to CDPH (or its designated third-party administrator) for BHSA prevention funding.

With the release of the Final Plan, CDPH has confirmed that funding opportunity guidelines will be issued in Spring 2026. This information will be posted on the CDPH website and announced via the BHSA email distribution list. Individuals are encouraged to sign up for the BHSA email list to receive updates directly.

Our Commitment
Ventura County Public Health is committed to keeping community partners, stakeholders, and residents informed as CDPH releases new details, guidance, and funding announcements.

Resources

• CDPH BHSA: Provides information about partner and community engagement and other resources.

• • CDPH BHSA Updates: Subscribe here.
  • Email: BHSAinfo@cdph.ca.gov

• CDPH BHSA Partner and Community Engagement: Slides and recordings outlining early concepts for BHSA prevention implementation.
• CDPH BHSA Population-Based Prevention Program Guide: An overview of prevention goals, strategies, and expectations.