California Access Coalition

10/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 20 years of advocacy and advancing the health of Californians!

The California Chronic Care Coalition held its Annual General Meeting, bringing together advocates and partners to discuss critical issues impacting patients and communities, including rare disorders, patient rights, hospital quality, and legislative advocacy.

We were proud to have Jorge, our Legislative Coordinator in attendance representing California Access Coalition and joining the conversation on the continued work needed to improve health outcomes and strengthen patient-centered care.

Here’s to 20 years of advancing advocacy and making a difference for patients across California!

09/15/2026

Last week, on , CAC Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, said, “988 cannot simply be a number we ask people to call. It must be the front door to a functioning system of care." She highlighted the importance of a comprehensive continuum of care that includes 988 call centers, mobile crisis response teams, stabilization services, and ongoing behavioral health support.

CAC continues to support efforts to strengthen and sustain the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, helping ensure that every Californian has someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go when they need help most.

08/18/2026

As AI continues to rapidly reshape how people seek mental health support, California is working to ensure innovation does not come at the expense of patient safety. 👏

A new Los Angeles Times article highlights SB 903, authored by Senator Steve Padilla and co-sponsored by the California Behavioral Health Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, CAMFT: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and the California Psychological Association. This bill would establish critical safeguards around the use of AI in therapy and psychotherapy.

CAC is proud to support responsible innovation while advocating for clear guardrails that protect patients, preserve human connection, and ensure clinical decisions remain in the hands of licensed professionals. 🗣️

Full article: https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2026-08-09/as-ai-therapists-dish-out-advice-california-lawmakers-try-to-set-some-limits

08/17/2026

As we begin August, CAC recognizes a wide range of meaningful observances that honor and uplift communities and highlight the importance of mental health, equity, and access to care.

🧘🏽‍♀️National Wellness Month – Promoting healthy habits and self-care to improve overall well-being.

🧑🏻‍🌾Farmworkers Appreciation Day – Honoring the essential contributions and dedication of farmworkers to provide food for the world.

☀️International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9) – Celebrating Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions while recognizing the importance of Indigenous rights and self-determination.

👩🏾Women’s Equality Day (August 26) – Commemorating the advancement of gender equity and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights and opportunities for women.

🤍National Grief Awareness Day (August 30) – Raising awareness about grief, loss, healing, and the importance of supporting those navigating bereavement.

💜International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) – Honoring lives lost to overdose, reducing stigma, and promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

07/15/2026

CAC is excited to share AB 1587 (Ta) has officially been signed by the Governor's Office! We appreciate Governor Newsom’s support of this important issue and his commitment to protecting Californians with serious medical needs.

AB 1587 (Ta) ensures Californians with life-threatening medical conditions do not face dangerous interruptions in their medication when they are unable to obtain a timely prescription renewal.

We are proud to show support for AB 1587. A very special thank you to Assemblyman Tri Ta Tri Ta for your leadership and dedication to strengthening our policies that improve the lives of Californians.

https://ad70.asmrc.org/2026/07/14/governor-newsom-signs-assemblyman-tri-tas-ab-1587-to-protect-patients-with-life-threatening-conditions/

07/02/2026

As we begin July, CAC recognizes a wide range of meaningful observances that honor history, uplift communities, and highlight the importance of mental health, equity, and access to care.

🏳️‍🌈 Disability Pride Month - Celebrating pride among the LGBTQIA+ disability community and advocacy while uplifting the fight for accessibility and justice.

🫂 BIPOC Mental Health Month - Highlighting mental health equity, culturally responsive care, and the lived experiences of communities of color.

🧘🏽‍♀️Social Wellness Month - Encouraging connection, community care, and practices that strengthen social and emotional wellbeing.

❤️‍🩹 Minority Mental Health Month - Promoting mental health equity, reducing disparities, and expanding access to culturally responsive care for historically underserved communities.

🇺🇸 U.S. Independence Day (July 4) - Recognizing our nation’s history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equity for all communities.

👩🏻‍🦼👨🏼‍🦯 National Disability Independence Day (July 26) - Honoring the anniversary of the ADA and celebrating disability rights, access, and inclusion.

06/16/2026

California recently enacted new staffing requirements for psychiatric hospitals to improve patient safety. However, the state already faces a significant shortage of psychiatric beds and treatment capacity. Any reduction in available beds could lead to longer waits for patients in crisis, greater pressure on emergency departments, and fewer treatment options for families seeking care.



In a recent LTE to the San Francisco Chronicle, our Executive Director, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Ph.D., emphasizes that meaningful reform must reflect the realities of California's behavioral health system. As demand for services continues to grow, these regulations could further limit access to care.

Read here.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Chronicle readers comment on housing in W**e Country, psychiatric hospital staffing, Tom Steyer’s campaign and the GOP culture war.

06/11/2026

As we enter the month of June, CAC takes a moment to recognize several meaningful observances. This month invites us to celebrate diversity, honor resilience, and uplift the communities of California.

🌴 Caribbean-American Heritage Month - A time to celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Caribbean Americans who have helped shape our communities and culture.

🧠 Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month - An opportunity to support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other brain conditions, raise awareness, and promote brain health.

❤️‍🩹 National PTSD Awareness Month - A time to stand with those impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to encourage understanding, compassion, and access to care.

🌈 Pride Month - A celebration of LGBTQIA+ identities, history, and resilience, and a reminder of the ongoing work toward equity and inclusion.

🌍 Immigrant Heritage Month - An opportunity to honor the diverse cultures, contributions, and stories of immigrants who strengthen our communities and culture.

🧔🏽 Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month - An opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of mental health among men and encourage open conversations, support, and resources.

👔 Father’s Day - A day to recognize and appreciate the care, guidance, and love of fathers and father figures.

✊🏽 Juneteenth - A celebration of freedom and Black liberation, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and honoring Black history and culture.

Wishing all communities a reflective, empowering, and meaningful month. ✨

05/29/2026

As we close out May, CAC recognizes a wide range of meaningful observances that honor heritage, uplift communities, and highlight the importance of mental health, equity, and access to care.

💚 Mental Health Awareness Month — Promoting mental well‑being, reducing stigma, and expanding access to behavioral health services.

🤱 Maternal Mental Health Month — Highlighting the importance of screening, support, and equitable care for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

🧠 Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month — Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals living with BPD and their families.

🌸 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month — Celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

👵🏽 Older Californians Month — Recognizing the resilience, contributions, and diverse experiences of older adults across our state.

✡️ Jewish American Heritage Month — Honoring the rich cultural heritage and achievements of Jewish Americans.

🌷 Mother’s Day (May 12) — Honoring mothers, caregivers, and all who nurture families and communities.

🏳️‍🌈 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17) — Standing in solidarity against discrimination and affirming the dignity and rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

💙 World Schizophrenia Awareness Day (May 24) — Increasing understanding, challenging stigma, and supporting individuals living with schizophrenia.

05/27/2026

CAC's ED, Dr. Clark Harvey, recently participated at the CalMatters.org' Ideas Festival, where leaders from across sectors gathered to discuss the future of California as new technology, leadership, and ideas continue to shape life in the Golden State. ✅

Dr. Clark Harvey spoke on the panel, The Economic and Political Power of California’s Nonprofit Sector, sponsored by CalNonprofits, highlighting the vital role nonprofits play in strengthening communities, advancing equity, and driving systems change! 👏

We are proud to see behavioral health represented in critical conversations shaping California’s future. 👏