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Innovation Projects aim to foster learning and improvement. They are funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and administered locally through Tri-City Mental Health. Innovation projects introduce new and creative mental health approaches that are designed to be learned from. Each project has a set duration, and are carefully evaluated. They offer a chance to explore new and innovative solutions that could enhance mental health services in communities, now and in the future. Across California, these projects allow counties to experiment with new, untested mental health approaches and adapt existing ones, with the goal of establishing effective best practices for tomorrow.
For more details about Innovation project requirements and regulations, please visit the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) Innovation Incubator.
Current Innovation Projects
Tri-City Mental Health has two MHSA Innovation projects. Please check our calendar for upcoming Innovation workshops, meetings and project activities.
1. Community Planning Process for Innovation Project(s)
FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26
This proposal seeks approval to utilize Innovation funds in the amount of $675,000 over three years to develop a robust and effective strategic community planning process and related activities resulting in future Innovation plans that are calculated, meaningful, and effective. This three-year project will conclude in FY 2025-26 and was approved by the MHSOAC on October 26, 2023.
Community Planning Process Documents
MHSA INN Plan: Community Planning Process for Innovation Project(s)
Plan de MHSA INN: Proceso de Planificación Comunitario para Proyecto (s) de Innovación
2. Multi-County Collaborative Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs)
Tri-City’s Innovation Project, Multi-County Collaborative Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) Phase One, was approved by the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) in May 2022. Phase Two of the Multi-County PADs project was approved by the MHSOAC on November 21, 2024. Additional information about Phase Two of this project can be found here.
Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) are used to support treatment decisions for people who may not be able to consent to or participate in treatment decisions during a mental health crisis. A PAD allows a person’s wishes and priorities to inform mental health treatment. Originally envisioned as a statewide standalone tool, Phase One of the PADs project focused on rigorous testing of the functionality, usability, and training of the the cloud-based PADs platform. This foundation will lead into Phase Two, which involves up to fifteen counties and aims to gather critical data through live testing of the PADs platform with law enforcement and hospital staff. The data collected will be crucial in assessing the platform’s effectiveness and determining its long-term sustainability across the state of California.
For additional information, visit the PADs CA website.
Do you have an Innovation Project Idea?
Your voice matters in shaping the future of mental health innovation! Submit your Innovation Idea online to share your insight and ideas for new projects under the MHSA Innovation component. Your input will help us create effective solutions that can help improve access and quality of care for people in our community. Together, we can develop and test cutting-edge innovative mental health priojects that may become future best practices. Share your insights today and help us build a brighter future for mental health care and support in our community. Submit your idea today!
Past Innovation Projects
MHSA Innovation Plan - Proposed Projects (Amended)
Innovation Work Plan
MHSA Innovation Project Evaluation Reports: