SPECIAL REPORT: Imperial County recognized for support-based mental health outreach as cities increase enforcement

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Imperial County is being recognized by Governor Gavin Newsom for its efforts to connect people living with severe mental illness to treatment and support services through California’s CARE Act.

The program allows family members, first responders and others to ask a court to help connect someone with mental health care before they end up in crisis.

County officials say the goal is not punishment, but getting people connected to long-term support and treatment.

“And then afterwards, if they do, then we go ahead and engage them into our intensive services and our CARE services,” said Michelle Villarreal. “We link them and do all that we really have to do.”

So far this year, 21 petitions have been submitted to CARE Court in Imperial County.

Officials say the process is meant to be collaborative, with participants helping shape their own treatment plans.

“The main goal is to reduce hospitalizations, crisis admissions and re-incarcerations or getting involved in the justice system,” said Maria Ruiz.

At the same time, some cities across the Imperial Valley have taken a stricter approach to homelessness.

In El Centro, police can charge someone with a misdemeanor if they refuse rehab or mental health services. In Calexico, camping on public or private property can lead to fines or jail time.

William Cooper, who is working to bring a wraparound housing model to northern Imperial County, believes support services are more effective than criminal penalties.

“That money can be better spent building housing, building wraparound services, mental health services,” Cooper said.

Cooper has spent several years applying for funding through Imperial County’s Continuum of Care board, which helps decide what housing projects receive county support. His proposal would focus on expanding access to case management, behavioral health and health care services in northern parts of the county.

The latest count shows more than 1,500 people in Imperial County experienced homelessness in 2025, highlighting the ongoing gap between available resources and community needs.