Major budget cuts are underway in the state with each county determining Proposition 1 priorities for funding in fiscal year starting July 2026. We have devastating news that our beloved Family Educational Resource Center (FERC) is on the cut list, among other programs of note. The loss of FERC is particularly relevant to the county’s NAMI affiliates since it was a variation on the theme of being a resource of support and information for families with loved ones who have diagnoses of mental illness. FERC was well funded and well staffed – NAMI affiliates are not, depending heavily on volunteer help. We cannot replace FERC but we want to help our families.
You have two options here:
1. Alameda County residents are invited to contribute public comment for the Behavioral Health Services Act Integrated Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2029. Help shape and impact Alameda County’s behavioral health system. The opportunity to leave Public Comment is available now through April 20, 2026.
Click here to read: BHSA Integrated Plan FY2026-2029 (DRAFT)Click here to leave a Public Comment: Public Comment form For additional details about the Behavioral Health Services Act, please visit: BHSA – Mental Health Services Act – Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
For questions, please email: bhsa@acgov.org
2. Join us on the April 22nd for a panel and group discussion around the issue of meeting families’ needs. We will have some local experts and experienced volunteers present and ask for your input regarding what has helped you in terms of services you will miss most. What can we offer that the system does not? This will be your chance to impact the services we offer and will consider developing.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87876740105
Meeting ID: 878 7674 0105
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/87876740105/invitations?signature=Exoryt_l5ai3N745rPWJ7X5N1c2VJCyFN95Fcfh58Y8
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