Mental Health America of California

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) condemns Governor Newsom's Executive Order to clear homeless encampments. The clearing of encampments is a harmful and ineffective practice that unnecessarily involves law enforcement in efforts to remove unhoused individuals from the streets and confiscate their personal belongings, including tents. A recent RAND study observing Los Angeles' encampment removal policies shows that clearing encampments led to no lasting change in the number of unhoused individuals on the streets, but dramatically increased the number of unhoused individuals living completely unsheltered. Houselessness is caused primarily by a severe lack of affordable housing. MHAC’s housing report, “Data Shows Serious Mental Illness is Not the Cause of Unhoused Population Increase in California,” analyzes California's housing needs and clearly demonstrates that the rise in houselessness is due to the failure of local governments to build sufficient affordable housing for our lowest income residents. Clearing encampments without sufficient housing for encampment residents is simply unconscionable and irresponsible. MHAC stands firm in our resolve to increase supportive housing, peer support, and a range of community-defined, culturally responsive, voluntary, community-based mental health prevention and intervention supports and services that can prevent and end homelessness. We echo the statement made by our national affiliate, Mental Health America, and are committed to a just and robust continuum of care in California. https://lnkd.in/eX8SH_-f

Critical legislation is pending on Gavin Newsom’s desk that would support education and workforce development. Urge the Governor to approve these measures, which will benefit the lives of people living with serious mental illness, helping them lead full and productive lives!

JOIN THE CA EDGE Coalition TODAY! Mental Health America of California is partnering with the CA EDGE Coalition to raise awareness of policy issues related to workforce development, education, and training, and to empower peers to engage in advocacy opportunities that focus on these critical social determinants of health. Join and stay informed about the latest initiatives and advocacy opportunities that matter most to you! If you are already a part of the network, and update your profile by September 27, 2024, CA Edge will enter you to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards! Learn more about the CA Edge Coalition’s legislative priorities and sign up for updates at www.caedge.org

THANK YOU to our CA state leaders for advancing critical education & workforce bills in Appropriations Committee! Senator Mike McGuire Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas Senator Anna Caballero Assemblymember Buffy Wicks Assemblymember Chris Holden  Assemblymember Marc Berman Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia

SB 227 (@SenMariaEDurazo) offers assistance to those ineligible for unemployment benefits due to immigration status. By addressing financial instability, a social determinant of health, this bill helps reduce stress & anxiety that contribute to poor mental health outcomes. #VoteYesOnSB227

People living with mental health challenges, or peers, deserve access to high-quality education and training opportunities, as well as pathways to good jobs that enhance economic mobility. Unfortunately, individual, environmental, and systemic barriers continue to hinder peers from fully participating in the workforce. With up to 90% of individuals facing serious mental health challenges struggling to find and maintain employment, it is crucial for California to eliminate these barriers for all residents. Mental Health America of California is partnering with the CA EDGE Coalition to raise awareness of policy issues related to workforce development, education, and training, and to empower peers to engage in advocacy opportunities that focus on these critical areas. Learn more about California Edge Coalition’s legislative priorities and how to get involved at https://lnkd.in/gWA_Uf4t Check out our “Peer Workforce Challenges and Opportunities” factsheet on the front page of our website at https://mhac.org/

#AB2873 (Garcia) boosts economic mobility through support for workforce development, education, & training. All social determinates of mental health that can improve someone's quality of life. We ask for your "Aye" vote! @BuffyWicks @AsmKateSanchez @CASpeakerRivas @caedgecoalition 

Submit Your Comment Now! Click the link below! https://lnkd.in/g-xKFPAv

The you that’s made mistakes deserves love. The you that was hurt or traumatized deserves love. Every single version of you deserves love. 💙

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is seeking feedback from transitional aged youth (TAY) ages 15 - 26 regarding your experiences with substance use and navigating support services. Our intent with this survey is to capture what youth are experiencing when trying to access support and what is preventing them from doing so. Your identity will not be shared without your explicit consent. Fill out our survey for a chance to win a $100 dollar gift card! It takes less than 3 minutes to complete! Here is the link to the survey: https://lnkd.in/gTXPGhdF