CBHPC Equity Statement

The California Behavioral Health Planning Council members and staff are dedicated to supporting efforts, policies and programs that bring about necessary change to address systemic racism and inequities.  This includes reducing the criminalization of mental illness and substance use disorders, as individuals who experience these conditions are often stigmatized as a threat to society and public safety rather than individuals in need of treatment and supports within their community. The behavioral health system is directly impacted by social injustice leading to far-reaching health disparities and diminished life expectancy.

The nation is experiencing a number of crises; crises which have indisputably highlighted the complex issues of race and inequality across our country. The Planning Council’s vision is a behavioral health system that makes it possible for individuals to achieve full and purposeful lives.  We are committed to attaining racial and social equity through action and advocacy for an inclusive society in which all community members can realize their full potential regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, diagnosis, ability or economic status. The Planning Council employs a number of Guiding Principles that are foundational to its visionary work.

It must be recognized that certain communities benefit from systemic racism and inequities while other communities suffer greatly. Leaders must look inward to identify unconscious bias as well as understand historical policies and practices that drive inequities. The Planning Council commits to continuing and improving our policies and practices to support and encourage diversity in membership and staff perspectives, to value individual lived experience, and to promote opportunities for ongoing education and growth.

The Council believes we can establish public policies that honor and respect differing backgrounds and life experiences by normalizing conversations about racial and other inequities. By building partnerships among Council members, policy makers, and communities served, we can operationalize the true meaning of equity. Through this process, the Council supports California in achieving the goals to reduce disparities, rebuild the trust lost from communities that have been historically under/inappropriately served and eliminate social injustice and racial inequities.