Community-Driven Behavioral Health Initiative
Advancing culturally responsive behavioral health prevention across California through community-defined and evidence-based practices, implementation support, and technical assistance that strengthen access, build community capacity, and reduce disparities across diverse populations.
| Project Start/End Dates: | September 2026 – 2029 | |
| Geographic Area(s) of Focus: | California-Statewide | |
| Partner: | California Department of Public Health (CDPH) | |
| Team Members: | Phanit Dy, Amanda Carbajal, David Salinas, Dr. Ryan Mertz, Jennifer Clancy, Stacy Smithee | |
| Contact: | CDEPs@cibhs.org |
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Community-Defined Evidence Based Practices (CDEP) and Evidence Based Practices (EBP) Grant Project
BRIDGING COMMUNITY EXPERTISE AND SYSTEMIC IMPACT
The Community-Driven Behavioral Health Initiative supports statewide implementation of culturally responsive behavioral health prevention strategies aligned with the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA).
June 4th Informational Webinar Resources
Why This Work Matters
Behavioral health inequities continue to disproportionately impact California communities that have historically experienced systemic racism, discrimination, stigma, and barriers to culturally responsive care. Traditional evidence-based models may not always reflect the lived experiences, cultural strengths, or community-defined healing practices of diverse populations.
The BHSA recognizes the importance of prevention strategies that are community-informed, culturally grounded, and responsive to local needs. This work helps strengthen community capacity to implement prevention approaches that improve awareness, reduce stigma, promote well-being, and expand access to meaningful behavioral health supports.
How This Work Is Done
This initiative advances behavioral health prevention through technical assistance, implementation support, training, resource development, and cross-sector partnership building.
The work includes:
- Supporting implementation of community-defined and evidence-based practices
- Providing technical assistance to community-based organizations and local partners
- Building organizational and community capacity for prevention programming
- Developing practical tools, trainings, and implementation resources
- Promoting culturally responsive, equity-centered prevention strategies
- Facilitating collaboration among behavioral health stakeholders statewide
- Strengthening infrastructure for sustainable prevention efforts
The collaborative approach emphasizes practical implementation, community partnership, and solutions that reflect the strengths and priorities of California’s diverse communities.
What This Work Delivers
Aligned with California’s BHSA population-based prevention priorities, this project reflects CIBHS’ ongoing commitment to advancing equitable, community-centered behavioral health solutions across California.
Increased Organizational Capacity
Expanded understanding and application of CDEPs and EBPs
Greater collaboration across behavioral health systems and community partners
Improved access to culturally responsive behavioral health prevention resources
Increased awareness and stigma reduction related to behavioral health
Stronger prevention infrastructure across California communities
Enhanced support for populations disproportionately impacted by behavioral health disparities
Stay Engaged
This work helps communities strengthen culturally responsive prevention efforts, through technical assistance, partnership, and implementation support.
Additional resources and engagement opportunities will be added as the project evolves.
