9-8-8 in Sacramento – BACS Launches CWRT
BACS is proud to announce the launch of our Community Wellness Response Team (CWRT) in Sacramento! BACS’ CWRT does “whatever it takes” to help community members experiencing a crisis due to behavioral health challenges.
“BACS is so excited to partner with Sacramento County to provide the Community Wellness Response Team,” said Jamie Almanza, MBA, CEO of BACS. “Our communities know that we need a space outside of law enforcement to manage most behavioral health crises. People should be supported by peer providers and counselors towards to support the individual towards wellness and connection. We can improve outcomes and free up law enforcement resources for where they can be most effective.”
Community members can call 9-8-8 24/7/365 for urgent support. Callers needing an in-person response will be transferred to a CWRT dispatcher. BACS CWRT will dispatch a team of two response staff to the crisis location in the community. If you need support, dial 9-8-8.
CWRT serves Sacramento community members of all ages experiencing a crisis due to behavioral health challenges or other complex needs. This is a collaborative project with our partners Sacramento County Behavioral Health and 988.
To learn more, visit https://bayareacs.org/cwrt/
2024-2027: BACS Unveils New Strategic Plan
BACS has 70 years of deep history in California – piloting programs, building best practices, and creating behavioral health and housing models that are used widely today. We know what the community needs: housing, services that empower individuals, and economic stability. These basic needs, if met, will make our neighbors and neighborhoods safer.
Strategy #1: Windows, Not Bars: Redirect resources from incarceration t voluntary, community-based behavioral health services. Purchase affordable housing and reduce displacement.
Strategy #2: Whatever It Takes, Not Whatever Is Available: Challenge limitations, advocate for abundance, and evolve services to seamlessly meet community needs.
Strategy #3: Rooted & Regional: Build regional approaches with diverse partners, strengthen local systems, and nurture deeply-rooted communities.
Read our full Strategic Plan today.
BACS in the Homelessness Learning Collaborative
In California, roughly 181,000 people — about 30 percent of the nation’s homeless population – are currently experiencing homelessness, including a disproportionate number of people of color.
Last fall, more than 70 homelessness and health care experts converged in Oakland, California to exchange ideas and spotlight innovative programs to help people experiencing homelessness. The convening was part of the Partnerships for Action: California Health Care & Homelessness Learning Collaborative (P4A). This two-year initiative, created by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) and the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), is focused on improving care delivery and health and housing outcomes for Californians experiencing homelessness.
A new “Lessons from the Field” brief, developed by CHCF, highlights how P4A pilot efforts are fostering innovative cross-sector collaboration to better serve people experiencing homelessness. The brief describes key themes uncovered through the P4A initiative, including how to build strong partnerships, ways to refine the business case, the benefit of having managed care plans as partners, the power of community engagement, and above all, the value of peer supports and lived experience.
For a closer look at P4A’s collaborative efforts to tackle homelessness, check out a two-minute video produced by CHCS. It features first-hand insights from P4A participants representing 5Cities Homeless Coalition, The Illumination Foundation, and BACS!
READ THE BRIEF AND WATCH THE VIDEO
Towne House Meditation Group Supports Healing
Last month, BACS’ Towne House Wellness Center hosted a weekly meditation group that got great turnout! Towne House helps community members experiencing behavioral health needs, housing insecurity, and other complex needs. We welcome people into Towne House Wellness Center to help with their urgent and direct needs, while doing “whatever it takes” to uplift them across the domains of wellness.
If you want to get connected to any BACS service, or just a vibrant and supportive place where you can build community, visit one of our Wellness Centers. Learn more on our website and plan your visit at https://bayareacs.org/wellness-centers/
