12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com The only program that offers bilingual peer-to-peer counseling for senior citizens in Monterey County is set to disappear on July 1, due to a state proposition designed to address serious behavioral health issues. Proposition 1, passed by voters in 2024, has led to wide reforms in delivering mental health services but it’s also resulted in the potential loss of numerous early mental health prevention initiatives, up to 21 such programs in Monterey County. MJ Donohue, executive director of the Alliance on Aging, which has administered the senior peer counseling program for 15 years, says he supports positive aspects of Prop. 1, “but they’re getting the preventative piece wrong. It will cost the [County of Monterey] more in the long run than it’s going to save.” Under Prop. 1, the state’s Mental Health Services Act was replaced by the Behavioral Health Services Act, promising increased funding for mental health and substance use disorder programs, plus treatment beds and housing for those experiencing homelessness. Counties are now required to allocate 30 percent of behavioral health funding toward housing interventions. The money had to come from somewhere, which to the disappointment of nonprofit agencies like Alliance on Aging, was prevention initiatives, according to Prop. 1. On Tuesday, May 19 Alliance supporters made a plea to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, asking them to restore funding in the County’s 2026-2027 budget for the peer counseling program, offered in English and Spanish. Donohue called it a lifeline for thousands of older adults, adding that seniors are the fastest-growing population dying by suicide. “When prevention disappears, crisis fills the gap,” he said. The Alliance’s program includes over 20 trained volunteers, seniors themselves, who are overseen by professional counselors. They meet individually in clients’ homes or in group sessions, helping them process the grief of losing friends, family, partners, mobility and other challenges of growing older. Since its inception it’s helped 1,600 people individually and over 1,700 in groups, for a total of 38,000 hours of counseling. It costs about $400,000 a year. Josie Avila of Prunedale, 86, a former client of the peer counseling program who now works for the Alliance as a receptionist, joined Donohue in asking supervisors to restore funding. “I believe I would not be here today without the support of peer counseling,” she said. She faced devastating grief after her husband died of Covid. Her counselor talked with her weekly until her outlook on life improved. “He made me realize I would be OK,” she said. Other nonprofit agencies facing a loss of funding for preventative mental health programs come July 1 include the Center for Community Advocacy, Centro Binancional Para El Desarrollo Indígena Oaxaqueño, Community Human Services, Door to Hope, United Way, The Epicenter and United Way of Monterey County, among others. Left Behind As California adopts behavioral health reform, funding for prevention is being eliminated. By Pam Marino Alliance on Aging Executive Director MJ Donohue (seated), with Josie Avila (left), a former client of the senior peer counseling program, and Naci Crompton, a volunteer counselor. NEWS “When prevention disappears, crisis fills the gap.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Now Open! Come visit Seaside’s latest hardware destination. 1130 Fremont Blvd (831) • 215 • 6242 Located in Laguna Plaza 2026 Orbea Wild - In Stock OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY In Downtown Santa Cruz – 585 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz See website or phone for details • 831-621-2309 • www.currentebikes.com EVERY BIKE INCLUDES: • 2 YEARS FREE TUNE-UPS • PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY • ASSISTANCE WITH SIZING & ADJUSTMENTS • DISCOUNTS ON ACCESSORIES, RACKS, ETC. • COMPLETE POST SALE SERVICE MENTION THIS AD FOR AN ADDITIONAL $50 OFF ANY BIKE IN STOCK ELECTRIC BICYCLES
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