On January 24, the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) held their annual retreat! Facilitated by Mental Health Services Act Manager Doris Estremera, the retreat was focused on getting to know one another and developing a 2026 action plan.  

Dr. Jei Africa presented, “BHRS Updates Amidst Regulatory Changes”, including a high-level overview of recent legislative initiatives, impacts to behavioral health and what BHRS is doing to address the impacts across workforce capacity, optimizing Medi-Cal billing, and contractor supports. Commissioner business included a review of the purpose and bylaws of the BHC, Brown Act highlights and BHC committee opportunities for leadership. Plus, “Get to Know Me” posters were developed for each commissioner and displayed around the atrium to support relationship building.  

Commissioners identified the following two BHC 2026 goals, which are aligned with the BHRS Transformation Journey. The retreat concluded with fully developed Action Plans for each goal including deliverables and timelines:  

1. Increase awareness, understanding and access for Medi-Cal beneficiaries impacted by recent changes 
2. Strengthen positive implementation of services through accountability, transparency and appreciation 

The BHC is committed to the involvement of diverse communities, key stakeholder organizations and individuals and family members with lived experience-especially those who rely on the public mental health system and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services – in the design and evaluation of BHRS. The BHC continues to support San Mateo County’s local BHRS efforts to balance program accountability and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations with a continuing focus on quality and innovation. Finally, the BHC supports our behavioral health system’s core values of recovery/resilience/wellness and cultural competence through all of its activities.  

There are currently four client seats, and one public education seat, open on the Behavioral Health Commission! We are looking for individuals with lived experience to become members and give the client voice and experience to the commission as well as those passionate in serving their community. If you are interested, please complete the client/family member application or the public application and submit to Chantae Rochester at crochester@smcgov.org.  For questions, contact Chantae Rochester at 650-573-2544.  

Visit SMCHealth.org/Behavioral-Health-Commission to learn more.   

By Kristie Lui, Community Program Specialist I, Office of Diversity & Equity