In a recent government meeting, officials provided a comprehensive update on the progress of behavioral health treatment facilities in Santa Clara County, highlighting significant advancements and future plans. The discussion centered around the implementation of Proposition 1, which was passed by voters in March and allocated approximately $4.4 billion in bond proceeds to enhance behavioral health infrastructure.

The funding is divided into two rounds, with the first round accepting applications until December 13, offering about $3.3 billion. Notably, there is a $278 million set aside specifically for the Bay Area, allowing various entities—including counties, cities, and nonprofits—to apply for funding. A 10% match is required from government entities, and there are specific restrictions on the use of funds for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Officials reported a goal to increase the number of behavioral health treatment beds by 50%. Progress includes the construction of new facilities and partnerships aimed at expanding both substance use treatment and mental health services. Key projects mentioned include:

1. **Pathway Society**: Currently constructing a 30-bed addition in San Jose.
2. **264 North Morrison**: Renovations are planned for a facility expected to begin operations in early 2025.
3. **San Jose Behavioral Health**: Successfully operationalized 53 additional acute care beds and is developing a 77-bed child and adolescent psychiatric facility.

The meeting also addressed the urgent need for subacute facilities, with plans to demolish and redevelop the existing 101 Jose Figueras facility into a new two-story building that will house a crisis stabilization unit and mental health rehabilitation center beds.

Additionally, the county is working with the city of San Jose to acquire the Vermont House, which will serve as transitional housing before being converted into a 12-bed adult residential treatment program.

In summary, the county is actively pursuing multiple projects to enhance its behavioral health treatment capacity, with a total estimated funding request of around $112 million for three key projects. The meeting concluded with officials ready to address questions from committee members, emphasizing the importance of these developments in addressing the growing mental health crisis in the region.