California Access Coalition

07/11/2025

At CAC, we recognize that mental health challenges impact communities of color in unique and often overlooked ways. This month, we recommit to advocating for equitable access to culturally responsive mental health care and breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health in BIPOC communities.

Let’s uplift conversations, resources, and healing.🗣

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07/04/2025

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we reflect on the core values of liberty, equality, and justice that define our nation. This day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold these principles, ensuring a future where respect and opportunity thrive for all. The California Access Coalition is committed to fostering a supportive community that champions these ideals. Together, let's ignite the spirit of unity and work towards a more inclusive tomorrow. 👏

05/08/2025

is grateful to have been a participant during this year's "Advocacy in Action" event, hosted by the California Chronic Care Coalition! This event brings advocates and stakeholders together to directly address California legislators and their staff about the profound effects of their decisions on the lives of individuals dealing with chronic conditions. 📢

Many thanks to the honorable Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez for prioritizing the needs of Californians. We are proud to sponsor, AB 641: Drug-Induced Movement Disorder Awareness Program, which would create a public awareness program to address the stigma surrounding drug-induced movement disorders caused by antipsychotic medications — conditions that can be pervasive, debilitating, and irreversible. We appreciate his passionate leadership on this bill! 👏

Read more about AB 641: https://bit.ly/4iTGelh

05/05/2025

CAC is thrilled to see that Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., a proud Corporate Partner of the California Access Coalition (CAC), is exhibiting at — the nation’s leading behavioral health conference! 💙

Be sure to stop by their booth to learn more about how they’re advancing behavioral health solutions that support individuals and communities. 📢

Thank you, Otsuka, for your partnership! 👏

05/02/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to honor the vital work you do to support mental wellbeing.

Download the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Mindful Moments Checklist today and share it with your network to spread the message: mental health matters, every day.

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What is Mental Health Awareness Month: https://bit.ly/3GB1fDT

Mindful Moments Checklist: https://bit.ly/4jYQfhV

04/30/2025

Today in Senate Health Committee, our Legislative Coordinator Jorge Cruz stood up for moms and families across California by supporting SB 626 (Smallwood-Cuevas). This bill pushes for better screening, treatment, and accountability in perinatal mental health care—because no one should ever have to suffer in silence.

04/30/2025

CAC supports SB 626 (Smallwood-Cuevas), which ensures that licensed health care practitioners providing perinatal care screen, diagnose, and treat patients for perinatal mental health conditions in accordance with clinical guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — because every birthing person deserves comprehensive, compassionate care.

Take action on SB 626 by emailing their legislators below:
https://bit.ly/3GKtvUq

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04/29/2025

Today, our Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, joined at the California State Capitol in support of SB 626 (Smallwood-Cuevas). She was joined by Carli Stelzer, Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor from California Behavioral Health Association, to stand in solidarity with families and parents who fall through the cracks of our healthcare system every year. Shout out to our Corporate Partner Sage Therapeutics for their support on this important initiative!

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas reminded us, “We can't fix what we won't face,” citing that an estimated 85% of women in California silently suffer from perinatal mental health issues.

We are calling on lawmakers to support SB 626 to ensure proper screening, treatment, and accountability for perinatal mental health care in our state. No one should ever have to suffer in silence again.

From survivors to providers, we are united in our commitment to make perinatal mental health a statewide priority. Let’s turn pain into power—and stories into systems change.


BeMomaware Black Women for Wellness Action Project Maternal Mental Health Now Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

04/25/2025

This week, our Legislative Coordinator Jorge Cruz joined the movement and expressed support for AB 512 Assemblymember John Harabedian — a bill that would set clear timelines for prior authorization decisions: 48 hours for standard requests and 24 hours for urgent ones, once all info is received. Let's make healthcare more efficient and accessible! 🩺📣

04/23/2025

Yesterday, our Legislative Coordinator, Jorge Cruz, shared a Me Too in strong support of AB 539 Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo — Health Care Coverage: Prior Authorizations. This bill takes a stand for patients by making it a crime for health care plans to require certain prior authorizations, aiming to reduce delays and improve access to care. 💪🏽💊

04/22/2025

Today, CBHA's CEO, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Ph.D. delivered a powerful testimony during the Assembly Health Committee hearing in support of AB 384 (Connolly)– the Mental Health Protection Act, which the California Behavioral Health Association, state association State Association of Psychiatrists and California Access Coalition proudly co-sponsor. 👏

AB 384 addresses a critical issue: dangerous delays caused by prior authorization requirements during psychiatric emergencies.

Dr. Clark Harvey reminded the Legislature: "We don’t wait three days to approve care for someone having a stroke or heart attack—mental health deserves the same urgency and respect." 📢

📉 93% of physicians say prior authorization negatively impacts clinical outcomes.
📉 78% report patients abandon treatment because of it.

AB 384 ensures individuals in mental health crisis receive the timely, compassionate care they deserve. We are grateful for Assemblymember Damon Connolly's leadership on this important measure and the Committee Chair, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and members for their attention. 👏

03/21/2025

Thank you, CalMatters.org, for highlighting key legislation, including AB 384 Assemblymember Damon Connolly, proudly sponsored by CAC, California State Association of Psychiatrists, and California Behavioral Health Association. Your coverage helps drive important conversations forward. ✊🏼

Read their full article here:

One poll of Californians last year found that more than 80% of respondents wanted the governor and legislature to increase access to mental health treatment.