September 6, 2024 

CBHDA Thanks Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly for His Role in Increasing Focus on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Sacramento, CA – The County Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA) released the following statement from Executive Director Michelle Doty Cabrera today following the announcement that Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly will depart his post at the end of the month:

“Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly has been at the forefront of a renewed focus on mental health and substance use disorder treatment in California and in particular on breaking down barriers for those with co-occurring challenges. During his tenure, California has made record investments in behavioral health programs at a time of unprecedented crisis faced by people our county behavioral health departments serve. Our member counties are working closely with Dr. Ghaly to launch CalAIM and ensure changes brought on by the CARE Act and Proposition 1 create meaningful opportunities for our clients to heal. We appreciate that this partnership has resulted in new opportunities for outreach, relationship building, and expanding access to county behavioral health services. We thank Dr. Ghaly for his service to California and we look forward to working with incoming Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson as we moved forward on this journey to modernize our behavioral health services, reduce stigma faced by our clients, and expand our outreach in communities.”

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The County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA) is a nonprofit advocacy association representing the behavioral health directors from each of California’s 58 counties, as well as two cities (Berkeley and Tri-City).