The Commission for Behavioral Health, formerly the Mental Health
Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), is
seeking input on potential innovation projects that may inform
the Commission on
Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) funding priorities. The
Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) establishes the IPF and
directs the Commission to administer that fund. This provision
replaces the Innovation program in the original Mental Health
Services Act, which provided funds to counties for innovation
projects that the MHSOAC reviewed and approved.
The BHSA provides $20 million a year for five years, beginning in
2026, for grants to public, private, and nonprofit entities that
promote innovate behavioral health programs and practices. The
Commission may also combine
Mental Health Wellness Act funding, which includes an
additional $20 million per year, to fund innovative,
evidence-based approaches for crisis prevention, early
intervention, and response. The funded innovations must be
designed to improve BHSA-funded programs, particularly those
focused on underserved populations, low-income populations, and
communities impacted by other behavioral health disparities.
The Commission is calling for concepts that introduce statewide
system change opportunities to meet the goals of BHSA, which have
been identified to promote the following:
Target individuals with the greatest need
Reduce disparities
Develop housing for people with behavioral health conditions
Integrate substance use disorder and mental health
Make workforce investments
Support for children and youth
Measure impact
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to submit input through
this linked
survey by Monday, April 14, 2025. Note:
Participation in the survey does not constitute a solicitation
for proposals that will lead to future funding. The Commission is
soliciting input for informational purposes only.
