Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) – Proposition 63
The passage of Proposition 63 (MHSA) in November 2004 provides an opportunity to transform the public mental health system in California by addressing a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and infrastructure support. In addition to the funding available to county mental health departments, MHSA allows the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to provide resources to other state entities to enhance their capacity to support the overarching goals of MHSA and its various components. The MHSA components are Community Services and Support, Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI), Workforce Education and Training, Innovation, and Capital Facilities and Technological Needs.
There are five fundamental concepts inherent in MHSA which must be embedded and continuously addressed in both local and state level collaborations. These concepts are a client/family driven mental health system, cultural competence, community collaboration, service integration, and a focus on recovery, wellness and resiliency.
The Chancellor’s Office is committed to helping reduce the gaps in mental health services for California Community College (CCC) students by improving statewide support, technical assistance and coordination between the Chancellor’s Office, the CCCs, the Department of Mental Health and external stakeholders. In collaboration with the California Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges has received funding to assist in addressing the increasing student mental health issues at the community colleges. This funding, which stems from the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), was based on the development and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and DMH.