February 12, 2021

County Behavioral Health Directors Applaud Priority Vaccine Access for Californians with Behavioral Health Disabilities 

Sacramento, CA - After the state of California released new priority guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations, the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA) issued the following statement today from Dr. Veronica Kelley, CBHDA President and San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Director and member of the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee. 

“County behavioral health departments have a frontline view of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Californians’ mental wellness and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our behavioral health clients. We welcome today’s announcement that Californians whose disabilities place them at high risk of COVID-19 illness or death will be prioritized for vaccine access. 

“Today’s action is firmly supported by research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which found that schizophrenia is the second highest risk factor for COVID-19 death after age. 

“County behavioral health departments look forward to partnering with the state’s vaccine distribution program to connect the most at-risk behavioral health clients to life-saving vaccines.  Given the diverse population we serve, doing so will also support the state’s priority on equity in vaccine distribution. 

“The isolation, fear and economic devastation of COVID-19 have taken a severe toll on Californians’ behavioral health; an effective and equitable vaccine program will support both public health and behavioral health for Californians.”