Behavioral Health and 'Care First Jails Last' Funding

Requested the board to restore UELP mental health prevention funding to continue serving immigrants and refugees without insurance barriers.

Shared personal benefits received from Maru's UELP senior services and mental health support, urging protection of these programs.

Advocated for Care First Jails Last investments, including board-and-care homes, mental health diversion court, and rental subsidies.

Emphasized the fiscal and human benefits of supporting board-and-care homes and preventing homelessness for the seriously mentally ill.

Requested protection for UELP senior mental health and community programs.

Highlighted how UELP funding allows crisis intervention without insurance barriers and warned against funding gaps.

Noted the drop in jail population and argued for shifting jail expenditures toward community-based mental health and housing care.

Requested continued funding for refugee and immigrant mental health prevention services.

Asked for Measure W and discretionary funds to be dedicated to community prevention services for traumatized refugees and immigrants.

Highlighted trauma among Khmer Rouge genocide survivors and the necessity of culturally informed care coordination.

Criticized jail and sheriff spending while endorsing investments in board-and-care homes and community safety net programs.

Described gaps in mental health crisis intervention and supported Care First recommendations for board-and-care and rental subsidies.

Called for a Care First budget that reallocates funds from the Sheriff's Office to housing and mental health diversion.

Shared her son's experiences with mental illness and inadequate crisis intervention, urging better care for mentally ill individuals.

Shared personal family history regarding trauma and the life-saving importance of prevention programs.

Outlined Care First demands including board-and-care development, public defender staffing, and rental subsidies funded by reducing jail expenditures.

Urged the board to utilize existing Measure W and mental health funds to provide rental subsidies and support mental health facilities.