California’s mental health commission on Thursday announced its executive director would resign amid revelations that he traveled to the U.K. courtesy of a state vendor while he sought to prevent a budget cut that would have defunded the company’s contract.
Toby Ewing, executive director of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, will step down effective Nov. 22. Documents obtained by KFF Health News show that he tried in June to protect state funding for Kooth, a London-based digital mental health company with a contract to develop a virtual tool to help California tackle its youth mental health crisis.
The director of a California mental health agency has announced their resignation amid allegations of a conflict of interest. Reports suggest the official was involved in approving contracts with organizations while maintaining personal or financial ties to them. This development has raised concerns about the integrity and transparency of mental health initiatives in the state, especially at a time when demand for mental health services is critically high.
The controversy highlights systemic issues in mental health governance, including potential gaps in oversight and accountability. Advocacy groups stress the need for clear, ethical practices to ensure resources are allocated effectively and ethically to those in need. The situation has also sparked broader discussions on improving trust in public mental health systems, which serve as lifelines for many struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.
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California Mental Health Agency Director to Resign following Conflict of Interest Allegations https://t.co/zoIY6RoKo3 #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
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