Is the Mental Health Services Act doing what supporters and opponents said it would do?
Proponents said: During the Prop. 63 campaign, proponents argued that the MHSA would support innovative programs that are proven to work. It is too early to know how well MHSA-funded programs work. However, the measure includes several requirements regarding program effectiveness. For example, MHSA-funded prevention and early intervention programs must include “services similar to those provided under other programs effective in preventing mental illnesses from becoming severe, and shall also include components similar to programs that have been successful in reducing the duration of untreated severe mental illnesses and assisting people in quickly regaining productive lives” (MHSA section 4, part 3.6c). As mentioned above, Prop. 63 proponents also argued that the measure would reduce other state health care, homeless shelter and law enforcement expenses and provide effective treatment for all of those being denied care. It is also too early to know whether these assertions are true. T
