February 28, 2025
The Honorable Sharon Quirk-Silva
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Room #4210
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Sponsor Support for ACR 23
Dear Assemblymember Quirk-SIlva,
Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is proud to support Assembly Concurrent Resolution 23, a resolution that would recognize the third week of May 2025 (Mental Health Awareness Month) as Mental Health Peer Appreciation Week.
MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy.
As California’s mental health needs continue to grow, MHAC recognizes the critical role of Peers, people with lived experience navigating California’s behavioral healthcare system and receiving services for their mental or behavioral health challenges. As local and statewide policy leaders continue to make decisions about the best way to address California’s mental health needs, Peer voices are essential in ensuring that these decisions reflect the realities of those most impacted. Peers are essential in shaping policies that directly impact the availability and effectiveness of these services and programs.
Furthermore, Peers can use their lived experience to enter the behavioral health workforce and become Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialists. Peers can work within their local communities to encourage, engage with, and support others with mental health, addiction, and or trauma challenges, using their lived experience to provide hope, support, and be a role model of recovery.
As California continues to address the mental and behavioral health needs for all Californians, investing in and prioritizing Peers must remain central to the conversation. For these reasons, we proudly sponsor ACR 23.
Sincerely,
Heidi Strunk
CEO and President