Santa Barbara County is planning to build two new mental health facilities near the Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria following a proposed $20 million investment from the state.
The state announced its intent to award the funding to expand behavioral health care in North County. The project will fund two residential facilities offering short-term support, with an average stay of up to 30 days.
Suzanne Grimmesey, public information officer for Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, said the facilities are meant to fill a gap for people who still need support before returning to the community…