Fairfield, Calif. – Last week, NorthBay Health Medical Center announced it has been awarded $14.9 million through California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) to develop a new Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine Center in Fairfield, significantly expanding access to mental health and substance use services in the county.
The funding is part of a broader initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office. Additionally, Solano County secured $37 million in Round 2 of BHCIP, a statewide effort supported by California’s Proposition 1 behavioral health bond. NorthBay Health’s project is one of just 66 projects selected statewide, representing approximately $1.18 billion in behavioral health infrastructure investment across California.
In Solano County, behavioral health needs continue to rise, with approximately one in five residents experiencing a mental health condition each year and thousands seeking care through an already overextended system. Many individuals face barriers to timely treatment, often turning to emergency departments as a last resort.
“This investment comes at a critical time for our community and represents a major step forward for behavioral health in Solano County,” said Mark Behl, President and CEO of NorthBay Health. “For too long, access to timely care has been limited. This new center is designed to respond directly to that need – expanding access, improving coordination, and ensuring people receive the right care at the right time.”
The new center will be located adjacent to the NorthBay Health Medical Center in Fairfield, and will provide a comprehensive, integrated approach to behavioral health care. The facility will bring together three critical services in one location: a 24/7 Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center, a Community Mental Health Clinic, and an Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program. Together, these services are projected to serve 19,000 patients annually, helping address longstanding gaps in access to behavioral health care in the region.
“As the State Assemblymember representing Solano County, I am proud to see this level of investment in behavioral health services for our community,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). “This project will expand access to critical care, support our most vulnerable residents, and strengthen the overall health of our region.”
The new center will introduce a Behavioral Health Urgent Care model – a service not currently offered by other providers in the region. It will serve adults aged 18 and older, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, justice-involved individuals, and young adults transitioning from foster care.
The Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine Center is currently in the planning and predevelopment phase, with completion anticipated by June of 2028.
