By Joy Burkhard, MBA

Following are two pertinent updates regarding California’s response to the COVID crisis.

1. California’s New Peer Support Service is Available

The state’s newly enacted mental health peer telephone line and web-chat service is available to any California resident experiencing increased levels of anxiety and interested in connecting with a peer. Learn more here.

If you or the mothers you serve utilize the peer support service and have feedback, we’d love to learn more about the experience - readers can share by leaving a comment below.

2. State Maternal Mental Health Legislation on Hold

2020 Mom introduced legislation in California that is now pending as the legislature has temporarily adjourned. Due to the COVID response and related budget needs, we’ve been informed it is highly unlikely that any bills requiring the use of state funds will move forward.

This includes AB 2360, the virtual mental health provider-to-provider mental health consultation bill.

To learn more about this bill and our three others, click here.

We will be sure to keep you engaged in opportunities surrounding California policy as they evolve.