Press release from the Yurok Tribe:

The California Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) recently announced that the Yurok Tribe was selected to receive a $26.4 million grant to build the urgently needed Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center.

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“The Yurok Health and Wellness Center will significantly strengthen tribal and non-tribal communities in our rural region. More importantly, it will save lives,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “On behalf of the Yurok Tribal Council and the Yurok Tribe, I thank California Governor Gavin Newsom for supporting this transformational project.”

Earlier today, California Governor Gavin Newsom, California Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, Director of the California Department of Health Care Services Michelle Baass, and mental health leaders participated in a press conference to announce the distribution of $3.3 billion for 124 behavioral health-related projects, including the Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center. Aiming to increase access to mental healthcare throughout the state, the funds will create more than 5,000 inpatient beds and 21,800 outpatient slots.

“This is the most exciting work that’s happening in the United States of America on mental health and substance abuse and behavioral health reforms. This is a really pivotal time in California’s mental health history,” said Governor Newsom.

The long-planned Yurok Health and Wellness Center will be comprised of a 24,000 square foot building with 53 beds, including 23 for men and 20 for women. The inpatient and outpatient facility will provide primary care, behavioral health and mental health services to Yurok Tribal members and the surrounding community. Offering culturally based and conventional treatment options, this integrated wellness model aims to address the physical, mental, and social health needs of local residents ranging from infants to the elderly.

“Our primary goal is to help people bring their lives back into balance,” said Yurok Vice Chairperson Rose Sylvia.

The Yurok Tribe is the largest federally recognized Tribe in California and it neighbors the second and third biggest tribal nations in the state. The Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center will be constructed near Martin’s Ferry Bridge on the Yurok Reservation. This location was selected based on its proximity to the three tribes.

Due to historical trauma, systemic inequities and many other complex factors, mental health issues, including substance use, are disproportionately prevalent in this rural area. However, there are extremely limited resources available to help community members confront these challenges. Those who are suffering from mental illness and/or addiction often must travel hundreds of miles to the Bay Area for treatment.

On the West Coast, the national opioid epidemic started in far Northern California, which includes Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. Per capita, these counties rank number 1 and 4 in the state for drug-involved overdose deaths. This area is also within the epicenter of California’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. California has the fifth highest number of MMIP cases in the US. A majority of cases occur between San Francisco and the California/Oregon border. The perpetrators of MMIP-related offenses frequently target people who struggle with severe mental health issues and/or substance use disorder.

“By improving the health of the most vulnerable members of our community, the Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center will help us prevent future MMIP cases,” said Chairman James.

The Yurok Tribe has worked toward the goal of building a regional wellness center for more than 10 years. In 2022, the Tribe received $15 million from the state to fund a major part of the project. Shortly thereafter, the Tribe hired an administrator to continue developing the plans for the healthcare facility. The $26.4 million originated from the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024, which was authorized under California’s Proposition 1. The Tribe hopes to open the state-of-the-art Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center within three to five years.

In March 2024, California voters approved Proposition 1, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the state’s behavioral health system. A central component of this measure is the infusion of up to $4.4 billion into BHCIP through the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024. This substantial investment positions BHCIP as a primary vehicle for expanding the state’s behavioral health infrastructure, including the development of treatment facilities.