Golden State Today

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the state's investment of over $51 million in youth mental health and substance abuse prevention programs. The funding, awarded to 75 community-based and tribal organizations, aims to support young Californians and provide them with the necessary tools to cope with adversity.

In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of mental health support for children, stating, "As a father, I know that kids today are under more stress than ever. California is committed to providing the mental health support that children need and deserve — and tools to help them cope with adversity."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for strategic investments in supporting young people's physical and mental health. She expressed, "Kids are under tremendous stress and looking for ways to cope. As parents, the Governor and I are committed to strategic investments like these that support young people’s physical and mental health, ensuring they have the resources they need to understand and prevent substance use disorder."

The Elevate Youth Campaign (EYC) focuses on implementing evidence-based programs that help youth heal and recover from trauma, as well as empowering them to engage in their communities. The program prioritizes harm reduction and public health solutions to address and prevent substance use disorder.

Since 2019, the EYC program has engaged thousands of stakeholders, providing services to over 68,000 youth and holding numerous prevention program events with hundreds of thousands of participants.

These initiatives are part of Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom's Mental Health Movement, which aims to provide comprehensive support and care for individuals in need. The movement focuses on various aspects, including treatment and housing, increasing access to mental health services, building the health care workforce, and supporting children and youth.

The California Department of Health Care Services' investments in youth mental health and substance abuse prevention are crucial steps towards creating a healthier and more resilient community for the state's young population.