At a packed county meeting on October 24, Shasta County Board Chair Kevin Crye expressed strong opposition to a proposed grant for a mental health facility known as True North. The grant aimed to secure $150 million in state funds to build a regional behavioral health center. Crye emphasized he wanted to prevent any chance that the state might think the county supported the project.
Despite being aware of the True North initiative for months, Crye called the special meeting just days before the grant deadline. He seemed determined to block the collaborative effort led by the nonprofit Arch Collaborative and Signature Healthcare Services. This project could have significant benefits, offering critical services such as crisis stabilization, detoxification, and inpatient psychiatric care for people of all ages.
During the intense discussions, Crye shared a biblical analogy about “killing one’s enemies.” His comments reflected a deep-seated belief that the project represented something inherently wrong. Meanwhile, community leaders, healthcare providers, and families affected by mental health issues voiced their frustration. Many felt the board’s decision could hinder vital resources for mental health care in the region.
Health and Human Services Director Christy Coleman also presented the county’s opposition, claiming that her backing was necessary for the grant application, a statement that grant guidelines do not seem to support. She later acknowledged her team’s involvement in the discussions but faced criticism for how things unfolded.
After a lengthy debate, the board voted 3-2 to oppose the grant. Critics like Supervisor Matt Plummer felt this was a disrespectful move toward a collaborative effort that had invested considerable time and resources into the project. Plummer described the situation as “unimaginable” in terms of the disrespect shown to organizations ready to help improve mental health services in Shasta County.
This opposition has raised concerns about the future of potential projects in the county. With massive state funding available and a willing private partner, many see this as a critical moment for mental health services. Supervisor Allen Long echoed these concerns, highlighting the importance of electing leaders who prioritize community problem-solving over ideological battles.
As Shasta County grapples with mental health needs, community voices grow louder. The hope is that ongoing discussions will remember the urgency of providing care to those who need it most, rather than squashing opportunities for support. The decision by Signature Healthcare Services on whether to pursue the grant will be announced soon, but the board’s recent actions have left many wondering about the path forward for mental health in the county.
Local prioritization of mental health services is critical, especially as nationwide statistics indicate a growing mental health crisis. A recent report from the National Institute of Mental Health found that nearly 20% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021. This emphasizes the need for robust, community-focused solutions to support those struggling with mental health concerns.
For more details on the pressing need for improved mental health care, you can check the report from the National Institute of Mental Health here.
Source link
Arch Collaborative,behavioral health,coleman,crye,SHARC,Shasta,Signature Healthcare Services
