AHP Supports Grant Process to Fund Additional Peer-Run Behavioral Health Programs from California DHCS

AHP is pleased to announce a new project with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to support a statewide effort to expand peer-run behavioral health programs in California. Behavioral health peer-run organizations are invited to apply for grants.

The new Expanding Peer Organization Capacity (EPOC) funding program provides an opportunity for peer-run organizations in California to further establish themselves as essential elements of the state’s overall behavioral health workforce. Like the DHCS Peer Workforce Investment (PWI) project, for which AHP is also managing the request for applications (RFA) process and awarding grants, EPOC enables peer-run projects to build their infrastructure and workforce capacity to deliver recovery supports for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Through selective grant funding, DHCS will help grow the potential and preparedness of these budding peer service providers to become thriving organizations.

Organizations interested in applying for grants of up to $200,000 for an 18-month funding period should be prepared to implement a new peer workforce program to ensure they are ready for Medi-Cal reimbursement of peer-delivered services when the benefit becomes available in 2022.

DHCS has contracted with AHP to implement the Behavioral Health Workforce Development Project.

Through the EPOC RFA, AHP will award grants to

• Support peer-run behavioral health programs operating with nonprofit fiscal agents to establish their own nonprofit status or to expand the capacity of new peer-run nonprofits;
• Build the quality of peer-run programming statewide through education, training, and improved monitoring and supervision; and
• Empower peer-run programs to realize their full potential, including through strategic planning and management support.

Peer-run behavioral health organizations are encouraged to review the RFA to determine their eligibility to submit applications. The due date for applications is August 25, 2021.

For more information, access the RFA here.