Massive Layoffs Planned For Major Bay Area Health Organization

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Mental Health Association of San Francisco plans mass layoffs, affecting nearly 200 employees.

According to an Employment Development Department state filing, 198 people employed with the Mental Health Association of San Francisco will lose their jobs, with layoffs set to go into effect on Sept. 15.

The EDD’s “Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification” (WARN) report for July 1 through July 16 lists the Mental Health of San Francisco as “Layoff Permanent.”

Located at 870 Market St., the Mental Health Organization of San Francisco offers programs such as the “California Peer Run Warm Line,” which “provides peer-led, non-coercive, and stigma-reducing support that addresses a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and substance use,” according to the peer-run organization.

The “warm line” program was recently impacted by a substantial decrease in funding.

“Despite $5 million in the May Revise [i.e. a May update to CA Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed state budget] and an additional $15 million in the legislative agreement between the Senate and Assembly last month, the warm lines ended up with $4.2 million, which is less than one-third of the funding needed to operate for one full year,” the Mental Health Organization announced in a written statement.

“We appreciate lawmakers’ efforts to fully fund California’s warm lines. While the $4.2 million approved is significantly less than what is needed to keep up with growing demand, we are grateful for the continued state investment. This allows us to keep offering our services in some capacity,” said Mark Salazar, President & CEO of the Mental Health Organization of SF.

“Though the impact on our ability to serve Californians is still unknown at this point, we are working to cut costs, including reductions in staff hours," Salazar added. "It’s unfortunate to have to make such moves after we had a record-breaking month in May that saw 41,378 contacts, but we are exploring other partnerships that will help us further our mission to advance mental health wellness for all.”

The organization’s current leadership team consists of Salazar, Tim Lewandowski, Chief Operating Officer, and seven other team members. Founded over 75 years ago, its mission is “to cultivate peer leadership, build community, and advance social justice in mental health,” according to the organization. Its core values include hope, wellness, and recovery; dignity and self-determination; and diversity, humility and cultural responsiveness.

“We are a lifeline of support, advocacy, and education for those navigating the complexities of mental health. … MHASF has been a beacon of hope, embodying the compassionate and forward-thinking spirit for which San Francisco is known,” notes the organization.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.