Mental Health Services Act

What is the Mental Health Service Act (MHSA)?

On November 2nd, 2004, California voters approved Proposition 63, known as the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). This ballot initiative provided funds to transform the way public mental health services are provided. Please view the Mental Health Services Act.

MHSA Workforce Education & Training (WET) Announcement

Sierra County Behavioral Health is pleased to announce participation in the Superior Region Parthnership Loan Repayment Program (LRP). Participating counties have partnered with the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) to make this funding available to the county Public Mental Health System workforce. It will award up to $10,000 to Sierra County Behavioral Health staff and contracted providers committing to a 12-month service obligation in a recognized hard-to-fill position. More information and how to apply is explained in the Loan Repayment Program Application and Program Guide. Current application deadline is November 30, 2022. Another round of available funding will take place after January.

FY 2022-2023 Annual Update to the 2020-2023 MHSA Three-Year Plan & Expenditure Report
View the Annual Update

FY 2021-2022 Transfer request from Community Services and Supports to Capital Facilities & Technologies Component and the Workforce Education & Training Component

Sierra County Behavioral Health is requesting a transfer of funds from the Community Services & Supports component to the Capital Facilities & Technologies Component and the Workforce Education & Training Component. The requested transfer amount is $250,112 of which $187,584 will be transferred to Captial Facilities and Technological Needs and $62,528 will be transferred to Workforce and Education Training. This transfer is possible through California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5892(b). View transfer request.

A Public Hearing regarding this transfer will be taking place at the end of June. Date to be determined.

Amendment to the Mental Health Services Act Plan & Expenditure Report for FY 2020-2023 Workforce and Education Component:

Sierra County Behavioral Health operates with transparency in conducting business. As such, the current MHSA Plan & Expenditure Report for FY 2020-2023 indicates expenditures for a Local Loan Assumption Program within the workforce Education & Technology (WET) component. The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPOD) created an opportunity to participate in the Superior Regional Partnership-OSHPD WET Grant. This amendment allows for Sierra County's participation and to match funds with the Superior Regional Partnership. View Amendment

There will be a 30-day public review ending on April 7, 2022. A public hearing will take place at 10:30 a.m. as a timed item on April 7, 2022 during the Behavioral Health Advisory Board meeting.

19-20 Community Services and Supports Component Transfer Request:

Sierra County Behavioral Health is requesting to transfer 20% of the last 5 years' average revenue from the Community Services and Supports component to the Capital Facilities and Technologies component. A maximum amount of $225,829 will be transferred on June 30, 2021. View the transfer request.

The MHSA Draft of the 20-23 Three Year Plan is now posted for public review and comment.

A public hearing will be held on June 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Hearing will be located at the Sierra County Wellness Center, 706 Mill Street, Loyalton, CA 96118. View the 2020-2023 draft plan. Comments and questions are welcome.

Contact: Laurie Marsh 530-993-6745 or email lmarsh@sierracounty.ca.gov.

Mental Health Services Act Information Notice - July 15, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency the Mental Health Services Act 2020-2023 Three Year Plan and Annual Update submission date is now July 1, 2021 granted by AB81. Sierra County Behavioral Health has submitted the proper documentation to receive this extension. One Community Planning survey has been completed. Another survey involving community members and community-based organizations collaborating with Sierra County Behavioral Health will be taking place during July and August. It is hoped we will be able to hold a few small community gatherings to complete our planning process in late August.

For more information or if you have questions, please feel free to call Laurie Marsh at 530-993-6745 or email lmarsh@sierracounty.ca.gov

Sierra County Mental Health Services Act Plans:

The current Fiscal Year 19/20 MHSA Annual Update has been approved by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors. Should you have any questions regarding the plan or have Issue Resolution questions feel free to contact Laurie Marsh at 530-993-6745 or Email
View the Annual Update here.

View the Amendment to the Mental Health Services Act Plan 2017-2020 Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Annual Update Capital Facilities and Technologies Component

Public Input & Feedback

Input is encouraged and welcomed from community members and persons who receive services through the Behavioral Health Department. All input, suggestions, concerns, and questions presented will lead to a draft annual update.

The Mental Health Service Act Coordinator encourages people to contact her directly with any questions, comments, and/or suggestions regarding the Mental Health Services Act.