California Access Coalition

02/26/2026

California Life Sciences kicked off its 2nd Annual Rare Disease Day in Sacramento alongside the California Rare Disease Caucus and the patient community, bringing attention to rare conditions and strengthening statewide advocacy.

Jorge Cruz, our Legislative Coordinator, met with key offices—including Assemblymembers Becker, Addis, and others—to advance conversations around access and equity. We were also glad to connect with our partners from the California Chronic Care Coalition and Neurocrine, whose collaboration helps amplify our collective impact.

California Access Coalition is proud to be part of this meaningful event and to stand with advocates and leaders committed to improving outcomes for the rare disease community.

02/26/2026

Amplifying Black excellence isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement.

Our Executive Director reminds us why elevating Black voices is essential to building a more equitable and inclusive future.

Honoring Black History Month today and every day.

This Black History Month, we amplify the voices of Black excellence. Black leaders from the Capital Region share their inspiring perspectives."Black excellen...

02/05/2026

As we begin the new month, CAC takes a moment to recognize several meaningful observances throughout February. This month invites us to reflect, spread support, celebrate connection, and honor the histories and communities that shape the Nation.

✊🏾 Black History Month — A time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders and communities, past and present.

🎗️ World Cancer Awareness Day — A day to raise awareness, support prevention and early detection, and stand with patients, survivors, and caregivers.

🎓 National School Counselor Week — A week to recognize and thank school counselors for their dedication to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

💗 Valentine’s Day — A time to celebrate care, compassion, and connection in all its forms.

🇺🇸 Presidents' Day — A day to reflect on leadership, public service, and the values that shape our nation.

01/12/2026

As we begin the new year, CAC takes a moment to recognize several meaningful observances throughout January. This month invites us to reflect, celebrate renewal, and honor the histories and communities that shape California.

🎆 New Year’s Day — A time to welcome new beginnings, set intentions, and reflect on the year ahead.

✊🏽 Martin Luther King Jr. Day — A day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and recommit ourselves to equity, justice, and service to our communities.

🤰🏽 Maternal Health Awareness Day — An opportunity to uplift the importance of maternal health and advocate for equitable, accessible care for all birthing people.

🕯️ International Holocaust Remembrance Day — A solemn day of remembrance to honor the millions of lives lost and to reaffirm our commitment to combating hatred and antisemitism.

Wishing all communities a reflective, meaningful, and hopeful start to the year. ✨

01/06/2026

Recent reporting shows that an expanding number of California sheriff’s departments are changing how they respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises. Instead of automatically dispatching law enforcement to these non-violent situations, several counties — including Sacramento and El Cajon — have adopted policies where deputies only respond if a crime has occurred or someone is in imminent danger.

🔗 Read the full article to learn more about how gaps in crisis response are affecting California communities: https://bit.ly/3YstJFx

12/22/2025

CAC and CBHA sent a joint letter to the LA County Board of Supervisors, respectfully urging them to expand MAT services in LA County jails. CAC is committed to utilizing collaboration to support the ongoing advocacy effort to ensure that evidence-based drug treatment is utilized during incarceration.

Read the article published by LA Daily News here: https://bit.ly/3Nd56tW

CAC + CBHA letter: Photos in Post

12/09/2025

As we close out the year, CAC pauses to recognize the many meaningful observances that take place throughout December. This month invites us to celebrate, reflect, and uplift the diverse communities in California.

🕎 Hanukkah — Celebrated over eight nights with the lighting of the menorah, symbolizing resilience and miracles.
🎄 Christmas — A holiday centered around giving, joy, and reflection, observed by many with gatherings and traditions.
🖤❤️💚 Kwanzaa — A week-long celebration honoring African heritage, community, and the Seven Principles.
🎆 New Year’s Eve — A time to reflect on the year behind us and welcome new beginnings ahead.

Wishing all communities a meaningful and joyful season! ✨

12/05/2025

CAC is honored to amplify that our community partner, Al Rowlett, Emeritus CEO at Turning Point Community Programs and member, Rayshell Chambers, Executive Director at Painted Brain have been elected as Chair and Vice Chair in the Commission for Behavioral Health!

Our behavioral health community is resilient due to the contributions of our visionary leaders and partners! Join CAC in applauding the newly elected Chair and Vice Chair for their commitment to increasing access to behavioral health services.

11/21/2025

CAC is thrilled to be participating at this year’s Women in Government Leadership Summit in beautiful La Jolla, CA.

CAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, shared her expertise on the Mental Health Epidemic panel and spoke on some of the state legislative solutions that can improve access to care. 📢

We are proud to be in an environment where we can recognize existing barriers and discover legislative pathways to improve our behavioral health systems!

We are grateful for our partners and colleagues who commit themselves to improving access to behavioral health care!

11/13/2025

Thank you, Scott Wiener, for championing SB 41! PBMs will now receive long-overdue reform, paving the way for affordable medications for all Californians and allowing rural pharmacies to continue serving their communities.

Click here to read more:

For years, pharmacy benefit managers – prescription drug middlemen often referred to by the shorthand term PBMs – have gone virtually unregulated in California. With Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature on October 11th of a PBM regulation bill (SB 41) authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), ...

10/20/2025

CAC is proud of our Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, for representing California at the 2025 Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C.! 🌍💙

She was invited to join an incredible panel “Open Access to Mental Health Medication: Impact to State Medicaid Budgets” to discuss the future of medication access and equity in behavioral health with Rep. Mike Schlossberg and Delegate Heather Bagnall.

Together, we’re working toward a future where everyone has access to the care they deserve.

09/22/2025

The California Access Coalition acknowledges , honoring the strength of individuals in recovery and the importance of supportive environments for long term well-being. We remain committed to advocating for policies that expand access to behavioral health services now and into the future. 👏💙