(San Diego) – SEIU Local 221 President Eric Banks today spoke to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on the importance of preserving funding for a vital children’s mental health services program.

The children’s mental health program, known as AB2726, is at risk in San Diego County because funding for the program was vetoed by the Governor and county administration has indicated they may not continue the program.

“As leaders in San Diego, we have an obligation to ensure our children are protected, cared for, and their needs are being met,” Banks said.

San Diego County currently provides the AB2726 mental health services to children whose emotional and behavioral problems negatively impact their education. The program services are provided by county Mental Health Clinicians who assess the children and recommend care to help them attain a successful education.

While the state funding for this program has been eliminated, there is still funding for the program from additional sources and legislators have said that restoring the funding for this program is a top priority once they resume legislative session in January.

“To date, temporary funds have been shifted to help keep the program functional,” Banks said. “I ask you to please join me in this fight to protect our children and make sure they are not the ones that suffer because of a choice made 500 miles away.”