MENTAL HEALTH-RELATED CONDITIONS COSTING CA $20 BILLION ANNUALLY

The Bay Area Council Healthcare Committee, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Jim Henry (PwC LLP) and Dr. Kent Bradley (BTN Advisors), met this week with Dr. Sandra Hernandez, healthcare champion and head of the California HealthCare Foundation. Dr. Hernandez led an important discussion about the need for expanding mental and behavioral health workforce, which will ultimately improve overall health outcomes and drive down business healthcare costs. Many physical chronic conditions are manifestations of underlying behavioral health issues which cost the state $20 billion in lost economic activity every year. Aligning resources to address these issues early on would dramatically improve overall health outcomes for patients and save on long-term medical costs to businesses. To engage in the Council’s healthcare work, please contact Bay Area Council Economic Institute President Micah Weinberg.