The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department is entering into an approximately $1.3 million contract with San Bernardino-based VARP, Inc. and expanded agreements with several community providers to increase access to substance use treatment and recovery services throughout the county.
The action includes an additional $800,000 in funding to support services for individuals referred by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, bringing the total available funding for these services to $4 million. Providers receiving updated agreements include High Desert Child, Adolescent and Family Services Center, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inland Valley Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services and Cedar House Life Change Center.
These services include early intervention, outpatient care and long-term recovery support, helping residents in need access treatment earlier and maintain recovery over time.
By increasing access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services for individuals and families in need, the county is furthering the county’s wellness goals.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department received an approximately $669,000 grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program through February 28, 2027.
The funding will support comprehensive health care and support services for individuals living with HIV, including medical care, case management, treatment linkage, food assistance and transportation services across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The program serves approximately 1,980 clients annually and focuses on improving access to care and reducing new HIV infections.
By ensuring that individuals living with HIV have access to high-quality health care and support services, the county is working towards meeting is social and governance goals.
The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters entered into a grant revenue agreement with the California Secretary of State to receive up to approximately $243,000 in Help America Vote Act funding for enhanced election security and administration through Dec. 31.
The funding will support a range of security improvements, including strengthening cybersecurity systems, upgrading physical security at election facilities, enhancing staff training on security and privacy protocols, and improving the county’s ability to respond to potential election-related incidents. The grant reimburses eligible costs associated with safeguarding voting systems, protecting sensitive voter data and ensuring the integrity of election operations.
The program builds on ongoing efforts to modernize election infrastructure and maintain secure, accessible voting processes for residents.
The board approvedhaving the county join a regional energy consortium by entering into a $5,000 membership agreement with the University of California, Riverside’s Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy/Solar Valley Consortium for the 2026–27 term and designated a board representative to participate in the consortium.
The consortium brings together public agencies, industry stakeholders and academic institutions to support solar energy research, promote clean energy development and attract businesses involved in renewable energy and storage. Participation provides access to data, policy collaboration and workforce development opportunities that support the growth of clean energy industries in the region.