14-05-2025
San Joaquin County receives $137M for behavioral health campus
May 14—STOCKTON — San Joaquin County's Behavioral Health Services announced Monday that it will be receiving $137 million in state grant funds. BHS was one of 124 agencies to receive funding, which was made possible through Proposition 1 and $3.3 billion to create more than 5,000 residential treatment beds for behavioral health care services statewide.
"Today's announcement is a huge step forward for the county's efforts to bring this much needed resource to our residents," Health Care Services Agency director Genevieve Valentine said. "This critical funding allows us to move closer to construction, and ultimately toward opening the doors for those who need it most. I want to thank DHCS and the State for helping make dreams come true."
Funding will be used for the county's Be Well Campus, a behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility located on 23 acres of land in French Camp near San Joaquin General Hospital.
The campus will provide 172 beds dedicated to psychiatric health and substance use fisorder treatment services, including crisis stabilization, detox and sobriety centers, youth and family outpatient services, substance use treatment, integrated behavioral health urgent care and a mental health rehabilitative center.
"This is a transformational moment for San Joaquin County," San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors chair Paul Canepa said. "The Be Well Campus is more than a facility — it's a commitment to making mental and behavioral health care accessible, compassionate, and dignified for everyone in our community. We are investing in care that treats the whole person, especially our most vulnerable residents, and bringing services closer to home. It's how we create a healthier, stronger, and more connected San Joaquin County."
This will be the first facility in the region to consolidate comprehensive services in one location. The county said it will improve access, reduce stigma and help residents avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or incarceration.
It will also be the first youth substance abuse residential program in the San Joaquin Valley.
"This is a big deal for our community," said Supervisor Steve Ding, who represents the Lodi area. "The Be Well Campus means people in Lodi and across the county will finally have access to mental health care nearby — when they need it most. For too long, the system hasn't worked. Now we're doing something that will really help. I've pushed hard to change the rules and open the door for projects like this. We're finally moving in the right direction, and I'm proud to be part of it."
Construction is expected to begin in September following environmental review and final permitting. The first phase of the campus is scheduled for substantial completion by July 2027.
With Monday's award, BHS has secured $203.7 million toward the total estimated project cost of $261.8 million, with the balance being sought through pending grants and local partnerships.
The county plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony later this year to coincide with the start of construction.
