--- title: "Sutter Backs Newsom's Behavioral Health Services Act | Sutter Health" description: "Sutter Health CEO Warner Thomas applauds Gov. Newsom's signing of legislation strengthening California's Mental Health Services Act ahead of Prop 1." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutter-health-applauds-governor-newsoms-leadership-on-behavioral-health-services-act" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Media resources](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources) / 3. [Press releases](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases) / 4. Sutter Health Applauds Governor Newsoms Leadership On Behavioral Health Services Act # Sutter Health Applauds Governor Newsom’s Leadership on Behavioral Health Services Act Sutter Health CEO Warner Thomas applauds Gov. Newsom's signing of legislation strengthening California's Mental Health Services Act ahead of Prop 1. October 12, 2023 by Sutter Health Sutter Health President & CEO Warner Thomas released a statement today supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of SB 326 and AB 531. This legislation places a bond on the March 2024 ballot that will make important modifications to California’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) if approved by voters. “We applaud Governor Newsom’s campaign to make mental health a top priority in California by signing legislation to strengthen California’s Mental Health Services Act,” said Warner Thomas, President and CEO of Sutter Health. “We also want to applaud Senator Eggman and Assemblymember Irwin for their leadership shepherding these two important bills through the legislature. Our physicians, advanced practice clinicians and care teams are on the front lines of the mental health and substance use disorder crisis. They stabilize and treat patients with these conditions in emergency departments, hospital-based addiction care units, and freestanding psychiatric hospitals across California. Expanding mental health care capacity and support is a top priority for Sutter Health and I’ve long considered myself an advocate on this issue. Sutter Health looks forward to supporting Proposition 1 in 2024.” Sutter’s integrated health system provides access to a broad range of mental health services with the goal of integrating physical and mental health services into patient care. Sutter operates several mental health inpatient and addiction care units across our footprint, including freestanding facilities and outpatient care services. In addition to care centers, Sutter’s efforts include supporting community-based programs and clinics that provide expanded access to substance use disorder treatment, telehealth options for Sutter patients, and supporting behavioral health workforce development initiatives. ## Topics [Mental health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Mental+health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Addiction](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Addiction%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ![Woman relaxing surounded by plants holding a laptop](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/EM5OmSghIQErnyINVGCliJ2w4OFGGHbQWFoViU5xxRs/fit=scale-down,dpr=2,width=1024) ## Behavioral health care Your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with addiction, eating or mood disorders or other challenges, our behavioral health specialists can offer care, comfort and support. [Learn more about Behavioral health care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/behavioral-health-care) ## Related articles ### [Tag Team Approaches Helping Earn Wins for Mental Healthcare](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/tag-team-approaches-helping-earn-wins-for-mental-healthcare) ### [East Bay Hospital Earns Mental Health Care Recognition](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/east-bay-hospital-earns-mental-health-care-recognition) ### [Sutter Unveils East Bay Expansion Plan to Improve Patient Access](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutter-health-unveils-comprehensive-east-bay-expansion-to-improve-access-for-patients) ### [Community Partnerships Support Recovery Beyond Crisis](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/community-partnerships-support-recovery-beyond-crisis) [See all from Press releases](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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