REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 18, 2026
FROM
JOSHUA DUGAS, Acting Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT
Title
San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Commissioners to Attend 2026 Conferences
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve the following travel and related expenses for San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Commissioners to attend the following 2026 conferences, in the combined amount not to exceed $18,500:
a. Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference in Long Beach, in an amount not to exceed $4,800, for the period of August 25, 2026 through August 27, 2026.
b. Children’s Network Conference in Ontario, in an amount not to exceed $1,500, for the period of September 2, 2026 through September 3, 2026.
c. Wellness Together Conference in San Diego, in an amount not to exceed $4,600, for the period of September 9, 2026 through September 11, 2026.
d. National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference in Anaheim, in an amount not to exceed $3,300, for the period of October 8, 2026 through October 9, 2026.
e. California Behavioral Health Planning Council in San Francisco, in an amount not to exceed $4,300, for the period of October 22, 2026 through October 23, 2026.
2. Authorize the Director of Behavioral Health to approve changes to the conference attendance plans and associated travel arrangements described in Recommendation No. 1, including conference dates, participating Commissioners, travel arrangements, and estimated expense categories, provided that such changes comply with applicable County policies, do not materially alter the purpose of the approved travel, and do not exceed the approved amount of $18,500.
(Presenter: Joshua Dugas, Acting Director, 252-5142)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The estimated cost for travel and related expenses, not to exceed $18,500, will be funded by existing ongoing 1991 Realignment funds. Adequate appropriation and revenue have been included in the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) 2026-27 budget.
Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference
|
Expense |
Description Cost |
Total Cost |
|
Mileage |
Each Commissioner will drive their personal vehicle round trip to/from the hotel: Commissioner 1 - 148 miles x $0.76 = $112.48 Commissioner 2 - 112 miles x $0.76 = $85.12 Commissioner 3 - 136 miles x $0.76 = $103.36 Commissioner 4 - 148 miles x $0.76 = $112.48 |
$414* |
|
Registration |
$350 x four Commissioners |
$1,400 |
|
Lodging |
$219 per night x two nights + $72.73 taxes & fees = $510.73 x four Commissioners |
$2,043* |
|
Parking |
$49 x two nights x four Commissioners |
$392 |
|
Meals |
$23 Lunch x one day x four Commissioners = $92 $36 Dinner x two days x four Commissioners = $288 |
$380 |
|
Contingency |
Unforeseen expenses |
$171 |
|
Total |
|
$4,800 |
*Rounded amount
Children’s Network Conference
|
Expense |
Description Cost |
Total Cost |
|
Mileage |
Each Commissioner will drive their personal vehicle round trip to/from the Conference: Commissioner 1 - 56 miles x $0.76 = $42.56 Commissioner 2 - 32 miles x $0.76 = $24.32 Commissioner 3 - 94 miles x $0.76 = $71.44 |
$139* |
|
Registration |
$400 x three Commissioners |
$1,200 |
|
Parking |
$10 x two days x three Commissioners |
$60 |
|
Contingency |
Unforeseen expenses |
$101 |
|
Total |
|
$1,500 |
*Rounded amount
Wellness Together Conference
|
Expense |
Description Cost |
Total Cost |
|
Mileage |
Each Commissioner will drive their personal vehicle round trip to/from the hotel: Commissioner 1 - 234 miles x $0.76 = $177.84 Commissioner 2 - 218 miles x $0.76 = $165.68 |
$344* |
|
Registration |
$962.83 x two Commissioners |
$1,926* |
|
Lodging |
$299 per night x two nights + $166.65 taxes & fees = $764.65 x two Commissioners |
$1,529* |
|
Parking |
$55 x two nights x two Commissioners |
$220 |
|
Meals |
$22 Breakfast x three days x two Commissioners = $132 $23 Lunch x three days x two Commissioners = $138 $36 Dinner x two days x two Commissioners = $144 |
$414 |
|
Contingency |
Unforeseen expenses |
$167 |
|
Total |
|
$4,600 |
*Rounded amount
National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference
|
Expense |
Description Cost |
Total Cost |
|
Mileage |
Each Commissioner will drive their personal vehicle round trip to/from the hotel: Commissioner 1 - 106 miles x $0.76 = $80.56 Commissioner 2 - 112 miles x $0.76 = $85.12 Commissioner 3 - 112 miles x $0.76 = $85.12 Commissioner 4 - 60 miles x $0.76 = $45.60 |
$297* |
|
Registration |
$285 x four Commissioners |
$1,140 |
|
Lodging |
$209 per night x one night + $21.95 taxes & fees = $230.95 x four Commissioners |
$924* |
|
Parking |
$39 x one night x four Commissioners |
$156 |
|
Meals |
$22 Breakfast x two days x four Commissioners = $176 $23 Lunch x two days x four Commissioners = $184 $36 Dinner x two days x four Commissioners = $288 |
$648 |
|
Contingency |
Unforeseen expenses |
$135 |
|
Total |
|
$3,300 |
*Rounded amount
California Behavioral Health Planning Council
|
Expense |
Description Cost |
Total Cost |
|
Mileage |
Each Commissioner will drive their personal vehicle round trip to/from Ontario airport: Commissioner 1 - 102 miles x $0.76 = $73.95 Commissioner 2 - 50 miles x $0.76 = $36.25 Commissioner 3 - 8 miles = Not eligible for reimbursement** Commissioner 4 - 8 miles = Not eligible for reimbursement |
$116* |
|
Flight |
$280 + $71.40 taxes & fees = $351.40 x four Commissioners |
$1,406* |
|
Lodging |
$221.50 per night x two nights + $75.88 taxes & fees = $518.88 x four Commissioners |
$2,076* |
|
Parking |
$30 x two nights x four Commissioners |
$240 |
|
Meals |
$23 Lunch x one day $36 Dinner x two days x four Commissioners = $72 |
$328 |
|
Contingency |
Unforeseen expenses |
$134 |
|
Total |
|
$4,300 |
*Rounded amount
**San Bernardino County Code of Ordinances 3849(b)(1) (amended 2001): Commissioners do not receive reimbursement for mileage under 20 miles round-trip.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
DBH is responsible for providing mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services to county residents experiencing severe mental illness and/or SUD. An integral part of the service delivery is collaborating with the San Bernardino County (County) Behavioral Health Commission (Commission) to improve services and expand opportunities that promote behavioral health and overall well-being.
The Board of Supervisors (Board) established the Commission in 1968, as provided for in Part 2, Chapter 1, section 5604(a) of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. The Commission serves as an advocate for clients, families, and county residents in the planning, development, and funding of behavioral health programs, while also advising the Board and DBH Director on matters related to the County’s behavioral health system. In accordance with County Code section 13.0618, expenses incurred by the Board, Commission, and committee members - non-employees (Commissioners), while conducting authorized County business may be reimbursed with prior Board approval.
Throughout the year, Commissioners attend and participate in various state and county events to share best practices as well as learn about emerging trends and identify innovative strategies to incorporate and strengthen the County’s behavioral health system of care. These conferences feature nationally recognized speakers and premier breakout sessions supporting historic California investments in community schools, behavioral health, and workforce capacity. The Commissioners are educated on the interconnectivity between students, families, communities, and schools and foster collaboration in the pursuit of health and wellness. DBH previously presented information about the conferences during an earlier Commission meeting and invited those who were interested to participate. All Commissioners expressing interest in attending were selected on a first-come, first-served basis upon available conference capacity and budget.
The 2026 Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference taking place in Long Beach on August 25 through August 27, 2026, celebrates two decades of advancing, innovating, and improving behavioral health service delivery and systems to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality health care. This conference is designed for behavioral health researchers, administrators, policy staff, advocates, and professionals in SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. During this conference, educational workshops and presentations will be administered by local, state, and national subject matter experts offering Commissioners valuable insight into current practices and emerging trends in integrated behavioral health care.
The 2026 Children’s Network Conference taking place in Ontario from September 2, 2026 through September 3, 2026, marks the 40th annual coming together of professionals, parents, and community partners committed to preventing child abuse and strengthening families across the County. This two-day event features engaging workshops, expert-led sessions, dynamic keynote speakers, resource sharing, and meaningful opportunities designed to support those who serve children and families.
The 2026 Wellness Together Conference taking place in San Diego from September 9, 2026 through September 11, 2026, is an engaging multi-day event designed to empower educational partners such as mental health professionals, administrators, educators, school counselors, school safety, health care providers, and the community to address the needs of the whole child. Commissioners will gain knowledge of collaborative approaches that strengthen partnerships among schools, families, behavioral health providers, and community organizations to improve health and wellness outcomes.
The 2026 National Alliance on Mental Illness California Annual Conference, taking place in Anaheim from October 8, 2026 through October 9, 2026, provides Commissioners the opportunity to collaborate with behavioral health leaders, advocates, and stakeholders from across California. The conference features educational workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on advancing mental health awareness, improving access to services, and promoting mental health parity. Attendance will provide the Commissioners with valuable information regarding statewide initiatives, innovative practices, and collaborative strategies that can be considered to further enhance the County’s behavioral health system of care.
The California Behavioral Health Planning Council (CBHPC) is a Consumer and Family member advisory body to state and local government, the Legislature, and residents of California on mental health services within the state. CBHPC consists of thirty-two members appointed by the DHCS including consumers, family members, providers, and eight state department representatives, as outlined in Public Law 103-321. Their mission is to guide its evaluation of California’s system of behavioral health care through targeted committee studies, community site visits, and General Session forums and presentations, while informing the Administration and the Legislature on priority issues. Participating Commissioners will drive their personal vehicles to the airport where they will be flying the day before the conference, returning on the final day of the conference.
Conference schedules, registration costs, lodging rates, transportation arrangements, and Commissioner availability may change after Board approval. To allow DBH to address these administrative changes efficiently, DBH is requesting limited delegated authority for the DBH Director to approve non-substantive modifications to ensure transparency and seamless Commission representation. Any increase to this amount, materially different additions that alter the purpose, or other change requiring Board authorization, shall be presented to the Board for consideration.
All Commissioners are scheduled to check in on the day of the appropriate conference using their own personal vehicle. Miscellaneous or unforeseen expenses, including taxes and fees, that should arise through the course of this trip shall be covered through the Contingency amount. All Commissioners will depart on the final day of their respective conferences.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by Behavioral Health Contracts (Marianna Martinez, Administrative Supervisor II, 383-3940) on July 16, 2026; County Counsel (Dawn Martin, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 23, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Iliana Rodriguez, Administrative Analyst, 386-8392) on August 5, 2026.