May 14, 2021
Dr. Ghia Xiong, Director of the Living Well Center at The Fresno Center, has developed mental health and wellness programs for more than 20 years, including prevention and early intervention services like the Community Garden.
This year, there are new state regulations that require more concrete data showing the program serves a large population. In a draft of its submission to the MHSA Three Year Plan for 2020-2023, the department says there was a “lack of clear impact or outcomes” that align with prevention and early intervention programs.
Dawan Utecht, director at the Department of Behavioral Health, says it was a difficult decision to cut the program. Funding for the community gardens ends June 30th.
Pao Yang, President & CEO of The Fresno Center, says he’s looking for other ways to keep the garden going.