03/20/2025
We are writing to share that the SLO Behavioral Health Veterans Outreach Program (VOP) has been discontinued. This news does not come easy, but we hope you will read the details below to understand more:
In 2010, VOP began providing ways for military members and their families to find community and wellbeing through rehabilitative activities. Many organizations have helped create chances for veterans to connect with peers, talk with a counselor, and discover resources. Horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, zip-lining, cooking and art events offered therapeutic settings that helped reduce stigma and encouraged veterans to seek out behavioral health care in an enjoyable, safe, open, and culturally competent way.
In 2024, voters passed California’s Behavioral Health Services Act, S.B. 326 (Proposition 1) which now requires SLO Behavioral Health to transfer approximately $6 million from prevention, early intervention (like VOP), and treatment programs to programs that support housing. Complying with this new proposition means funding for Veterans Outreach Program is impacted and therefore the program is discontinued.
We want to thank the many participants, staff, volunteers, and small businesses, who poured their hearts into this program. You have made a tremendous difference in the overall health of our local military community- we could not have done this without you.
Behavioral Health remains committed to support military members and their families through the Veterans Treatment program, at community events, and our continued collaborations with SLO County’s Veterans Services Office. Please consider following these pages for future updates, events, and resources:
County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department
Veterans Services of San Luis Obispo County
We are sharing again a list of local and national mental health resources that are available to military members and veterans who are experiencing mental health challenges and crisis. Please reach out for support if you or someone you love is struggling. Our community is here to support you. We’ve got your back- always.
