The Commission for Behavioral Health hosted a population-based prevention panel discussion at the Jan. 23, 2026 Meeting in Sacramento.
Key Takeaways
- Commissioners approved the Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) RFP outline.
- Commissioners voted to sponsor the Sustaining and Supporting Suicide Prevention in Schools bill proposal during the 2026 legislative session.
- Commissioners approved the formation of the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee.
During the first of its two-day January 22 and 23 meeting in Sacramento, Commissioners approved the Innovation Partnership Fund RFP outline, allowing the Commission to move forward with releasing funds for its largest competitive grant and key responsibility under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026
The approval comes after Commissioners voted unanimously during the Commission’s November 26, 2025, meeting to adopt an IPF framework to inform the development and implementation of the fund. The Program and Client, Family, and Community Inclusion, Lived Experience, and Diversity Advisory Committees approved recommending adoption of the IPF grant outline during their December 15 and December 17, 2025, meetings, respectively.
The Commission plans to release the RFP by spring.
Additional Items
- Commissioners voted to sponsor the Sustaining and Supporting Suicide Prevention in Schools bill proposal. This bill aims to have the state provide free online suicide prevention training for students, teachers and parents, while requiring schools to report anonymous screening data to help reduce youth suicide.
- Commissioners approved the formation of a limited-time Strategic Plan Advisory Committee. This committee will support updates to the Commission’s current strategic plan to align with changes mandated in the BHSA.
- Following robust community engagement and Commissioner discussion, Commissioners approved up to $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds to promote a peer respite model across the state.
A full recording of the January 22 and 23 meetings are available here.
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for March 26.