Alameda County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, with each supervisor elected to represent a distinct district. The Board exercises both legislative and executive authority, adopts the county budget, oversees county departments, and approves contracts and policies that shape behavioral health services.

The Collaborative engages regularly with the Board to elevate community needs and provider perspectives, explain how proposed policies and funding decisions affect services, and advocate for a strong and sustainable behavioral health system. This work takes place through direct outreach, committees, task forces, and public meetings.

Alameda County Health brings together the county’s Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Environmental Health departments to support the health and well-being of Alameda County residents. Its work also includes cross-agency programs such as Housing and Homelessness Services, Emergency Medical Services, HealthPAC, and Healthy Schools and Communities.

Alameda County Health is an important partner to the Collaborative and its member agencies. Through ongoing engagement and shared initiatives, we work together to strengthen the county’s health and behavioral health systems, elevate community provider perspectives, and improve access to whole-person care.

The Alameda County Health Behavioral Health Department (ACBH) oversees the county’s publicly funded mental health and substance use service systems. As part of Alameda County Health, ACBH administers services for people with Medi-Cal and those without insurance through county-operated programs and a network of contracted community-based organizations.

ACBH is a primary funder for many Collaborative member agencies and a central partner in the county’s behavioral health system. The Collaborative works closely with ACBH to elevate provider perspectives, address systemwide challenges, strengthen the community provider network, and improve access to culturally responsive, person-centered care.

The Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) helps individuals, families, and communities meet basic needs and move toward greater stability, dignity, and independence. Its services include food and health benefits, child and adult protection, foster care, employment assistance, housing support, and programs for older adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, veterans, and youth.

Collaborative agencies regularly partner with SSA divisions, including Adult and Aging Services, Children and Family Services, and Workforce and Benefits Administration. Because our organizations often serve the same individuals and families, we work together to connect people with coordinated behavioral health, social, and economic supports.

The Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) provides compassionate supervision and accountability for justice-involved youth and adults, along with preventive and rehabilitative services designed to strengthen community safety and support lasting change. Its work includes early intervention, diversion, community supervision, and reentry support.

ACPD partners with Collaborative agencies to connect youth, adults, and families with mental health and substance use treatment, housing, employment, case management, and other community-based services. Together, we help people build stability, strengthen their support networks, and move forward successfully in their communities.

The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) oversees school district budgets and educational plans while providing leadership, training, and support to educators throughout the county. ACOE also operates schools and programs for students with specialized needs, including court schools, community and alternative education programs, parenting teen programs, and services for infants with disabilities.

ACOE and Collaborative agencies work together to support students facing barriers to educational success, including justice-involved youth, foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, pregnant and parenting students, and students with behavioral health needs. ACOE also provides training, resources, and support that help Collaborative agencies strengthen services for children, youth, and families.

The Alameda Health Consortium (AHC) is the regional association of community health centers serving Alameda County and the surrounding region. AHC advocates for policies and programs that expand access to affordable, comprehensive health care, particularly for people with low incomes and those without insurance. Many of its member health centers are also Collaborative members.

AHC’s member health centers formed the Community Health Center Network (CHCN) in 1996. CHCN is a nonprofit Medi-Cal managed care organization that provides business and administrative support, allowing community health centers to focus on delivering high-quality medical, behavioral health, and dental care. The Collaborative works alongside AHC and CHCN to advance integrated care and strengthen the community-based health care system.

The California Alliance of Child and Family Services is a statewide association representing more than 200 organizations serving children, youth, and families in all 58 California counties. Its members provide services in child welfare, juvenile justice, special education, children’s behavioral health, and related fields.

The California Alliance advocates with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, and state agencies to shape policies, regulations, and budgets that strengthen the systems serving children and families. Many Collaborative members also belong to the California Alliance, connecting our local advocacy in Alameda County with a strong statewide voice.

The California Behavioral Health Association (CBHA) is a statewide association representing community-based mental health and substance use service providers. CBHA advocates for its members at the State Capitol, with state agencies, and at the federal level, working to secure the policies, funding, and oversight needed for a strong, integrated behavioral health system.

Many Collaborative members also belong to CBHA, connecting our local priorities with statewide and federal advocacy.

FACES for the Future Coalition prepares young people from diverse backgrounds for careers in health care, public health, and behavioral health. Its programs combine career training and internships with academic support, wellness services, college preparation, and youth leadership development.

The FACES Alameda Health Scholars Program serves juniors and seniors at Alameda High School, helping students build the knowledge, experience, and professional skills needed to pursue health careers. Each year, FACES selects a student to receive the Collaborative’s honorary Leslie Preston Memorial Scholarship.