A proposed behavioral health campus in Shasta County has been denied state grant funding, and a political candidate is placing blame squarely on the shoulders of her opponent. Despite efforts from multiple regional partners, the True North Behavioral Health project was left out of California’s allocation of more than $1 billion in behavioral health grants last week. The $200 million campus would have been built using $150 million in state grant money and $50 million from Signature Healthcare, the private company that would run it. It received support from 12 counties and countless stakeholders. Project facilitator Arch Collaborative is evaluating what steps can be taken moving forward. Meanwhile, Erin Resner has released a statement. The Redding City Councilmember is challenging Kevin Crye for his District One County Supervisor seat. She says he’s to blame for the denial of state funding because of his vocal opposition to the project. She says that when the state makes large grants, they look for stability and unity. Supervisor Chris Kelstrom and Shasta County HHSA Director Christy Coleman initially opposed the facility as well but later changed their positions.
– Steve Gibson