Transformative change, lasting impact

On April 4, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Kedren celebrated the groundbreaking of Kedren South-Psychiatric Acute Care Hospital & Children’s Village to serve the South Los Angeles community. This transformative project will provide a comprehensive system of care and support for children and youth experiencing significant mental health challenges—all in one location. It is funded by DHCS’ Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 4: Children and Youth and will serve as an integrated “Village Care” model designed for children and their families to receive their services.

Palm Springs Unified School District is participating in the CYBHI Fee Schedule program to expand access to free mental health services for students. The program will enable PSUSD to bill managed care plans for services already provided on its campuses, including student consultations, drug and alcohol counseling, universal screenings and more. Learn how PSUSD is communicating with parents and students about the value of the program.

Nathan (Cherokee/Navajo/ Hopi/Shawnee/Creek) is a 21-year old who has been involved in supporting the Native American Health Center in Oakland since 2022. It is through this work that he learned about the California Surgeon General’s Live Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Toxic Stress Campaign—a campaign he has now influenced in order to bring it to life for Native and Tribal communities throughout California.

As part of its focus to spread messages of hope and healing throughout some of California's most vulnerable communities, the Office of the California Surgeon General's Live Beyond ACEs Campaign partnered with Native communities to increase awareness about ACEs, toxic stress, and cultural healing practices.

In tandem with today’s observance of World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is unveiling its Never a Bother campaign in partnership with Grammy Award-winning artist and mental health advocate Megan Thee Stallion. The youth suicide prevention campaign is designed to heighten awareness of suicide prevention tools and resources before, during and after a crisis.

Sharmil Shah, Assistant Deputy Director at California Department of Health Care Access and Information recently spoke to EdSource about an exciting new profession for youth interested in behavioral health. Read and find out how Certified Wellness Coaches can make a difference for youth.