Parris lauds Lancaster’s mental health funding
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris saw one of his top priorities—mental health infrastructure—get a shot in the arm last week when the state awarded the City $83 million in state grant funding through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP).
The award is part of a historic $3.3 billion statewide investment aimed at expanding access to mental health and substance use treatment services across California.
The award comes as the City is exploring the development of a new behavioral health facility that would offer a wide range of wraparound services to individuals and families in need.
“This funding marks a turning point for our community,” said Parris. “We know that lasting solutions to homelessness, mental illness, and substance use require more than short-term fixes—they require real, sustained investment in care. This grant empowers us to begin building the kind of comprehensive system Lancaster needs, one that helps people access the support and treatment they deserve, including housing, mental health services, addiction care, and the full spectrum of wraparound support. It’s bold initiatives like this that will truly make a difference.”
As part of the State’s broader Mental Health for All initiative, the Prop 1 BHCIP Round 1 grants are focused on creating new infrastructure for crisis care, residential treatment, and outpatient services.
The City of Lancaster will continue working with local and regional partners as it moves forward with planning and implementation. The $83 million award represents a significant opportunity to deliver long-term impact and transform behavioral health services in the Antelope Valley.
Khan, Mitchell elevate medical debt relief
LA County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly J. Mitchell announced that more than 134,000 Los Angeles County residents began receiving notices this week as part of the first wave of medical debt relief, marking a significant step in addressing the financial strain caused by medical costs.
Launched in December 2024, the Los Angeles County Medical Debt Relief Program provides immediate financial relief by purchasing and eliminating medical debt for qualifying residents. Through an initial $5 million investment approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors, the program aims to retire $500 million in medical debt for low-income residents, with plans to eliminate up to $2 billion by seeking additional contributions from philanthropic partners, hospitals, and health plans.
“If you get a letter in the mail from LA County and Undue Medical Debt this week—open it. We’ve eliminated medical debt for more than 134,000 residents, no strings attached. This is real relief, and it’s hitting mailboxes soon,” said Hahn, who authored the motion to launch the program. “This is LA County government at its best. We are seizing an opportunity and making a smart financial decision to make people’s lives better.”
“Medical debt should never stand between our residents and the care they need. This first wave of LA County’s Medical Debt Relief – over $183 million – represents more than just numbers; it’s a commitment to removing the weight of a crushing financial burden, that perpetuates health and financial disparities,” said Mitchell. “We are committed to tackling the root causes of medical debt, so no one has to choose between seeing a doctor or putting food on the table.”
Barragán Attends Pope’s Inaugural Mass
U.S. Rep. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Compton) on Sunday attended the historic Inaugural Mass of the first American Pope as a member of the official bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL).
His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, is the first American in the Catholic Church’s history to be elected to the papacy. The Inaugural Mass was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
“This was a deeply meaningful and joyous occasion for American Catholics and the over one billion Catholics around the world who look to the Church for spiritual guidance and leadership,” said Rep. Barragán. “It was truly special to be here—as a Catholic, a Member of Congress, and a representative of a district that is home to a large Catholic community — for the Inaugural Mass to celebrate the start of Pope Leo’s pontificate, our first American Pope.
Our prayers are with Pope Leo as he guides the Church with faith, compassion, and a commitment to justice in the years ahead. May his leadership inspire unity, hope, and renewal within the Church and throughout the world.”
