BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services has been awarded $8 million in grant funding to expand mental health and addiction treatment services.
This marks the fifth time the county applied for the Proposition 47 grant, which is part of a larger $127 million allocation by the Board of State and Community Corrections to public agencies, tribal communities, and local organizations.
Ana Olvera from Kern Behavioral Health expressed enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “We’re excited about this funding because we will be able to dedicate more time and effort to helping people actually take that next step. It’s probably one of the most difficult steps they’ll take.”
The grant will enhance treatment networks, add dedicated staff, and support the Kern New Beginnings program, which offers treatment as an alternative to prison for certain drug-related crimes.
Services include evaluations, treatment referrals, case management, and housing resources.
Olvera noted that the funding will directly support the county’s Proposition 36 efforts, which aim to provide treatment instead of incarceration.
“A lot of the time, it’s very difficult to just stop. So treatment can help people make changes in their lives to keep the community safe, to help them feel better about themselves, and hopefully do well,” Olvera said.
Since December, the county has averaged about 35 referrals a month for treatment, and recently saw its first person complete Proposition 36 treatment.
With the new funding, Kern County hopes to increase the number of individuals benefiting from these resources.