KLAMATH, CA – The California Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) recently announced that the Yurok Tribe was selected to receive a $26.4 million grant to build the urgently needed Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center.
“The Yurok Health and Wellness Center will significantly strengthen tribal and non-tribal communities in our rural region,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “More importantly, it will save lives. On behalf of the Yurok Tribal Council and the Yurok Tribe, I thank California Governor Gavin Newsom for supporting this transformational project.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, California Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, Director of the California Department of Health Care Services Michelle Baass, and mental health leaders participated in a press conference to announce the distribution of $3.3 billion for 124 behavioral health-related projects, including the Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center. Aiming to increase access to mental healthcare throughout the state, the funds will create more than 5,000 inpatient beds and 21,800 outpatient slotst
“This is the most exciting work that’s happening in the United States of America on mental health and substance abuse and behavioral health reforms,” said Governor Newsom. “This is a really pivotal time in California’s mental health history.”
The long-planned, Yurok Health and Wellness Center will be comprised of a 24,000 sq. ft. building with 53 beds, including 23 for men and 20 for women. The inpatient and outpatient facility will provide primary care, behavioral health and mental health services to Yurok tribal members and the surrounding community. Offering culturally based and conventional treatment options, this integrated wellness model aims to address the physical, mental, and social health needs of local residents ranging from infants to the elderly.
“Our primary goal is to help people bring their lives back into balance,” said Yurok Vice Chairperson Rose Sylvia.
The Yurok Tribe is the largest federally recognized Tribe in California and it neighbors the second and third biggest tribal nations in the state. The Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center will be constructed near Martin’s Ferry Bridge on the Yurok Reservation. This location was selected based on its proximity to the three tribes.
The Yurok Tribe has worked toward the goal of building a regional wellness center for more than 10 years. In 2022, the tribe received $15 million from the state to fund a major part of the project. Shortly thereafter, the tribe hired an administrator to continue developing the plans for the healthcare facility. The $26.4 million originated from the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024, which was authorized under California’s Proposition 1. The tribe hopes to open the state-of-the-art Yurok Tribal Health and Wellness Center within three to five years.
