Steinberg Institute

Celebrating one year of Kelsey McGillis at the Institute!

As our Associate Director of Communications, Kelsey leverages her background in digital marketing and public policy to scale our communications efforts and advance our mission to transform California’s mental health and substance use systems.

Congratulations, Kelsey, we’re so glad you’re part of the team!

Today marks four years since Corey Hashida, our Associate Director of Fiscal and Policy Analysis, joined the Institute!

Corey’s expertise in behavioral health financing and policy has been instrumental in strengthening our advocacy and implementation work. Congratulations on four years, Corey–we’re lucky to have you!

The California Governor’s primary is right around the corner! If you’re still undecided and care about public safety, mental health, and homelessness policy, look no further.

Four candidates, including frontrunner Steve Hilton, sat down with and to discuss how they would approach today’s biggest challenges in mental health, homelessness, and public safety.

Four candidates interviewed:   and

Watch the segments at https://steinberginstitute.org/ca-gov 

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Steinberg Institute, , and partnered to bring behavioral health and homelessness issues to the forefront of this pivotal election. We sought to interview the eight top-polling candidates for governor. Four responded.

We are thrilled to share our final 2026 Steinberg Institute Champion, Harjit Singh Gill.

A licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health leader, Gill connects behavioral health services, housing, and reentry support to make it easier for people to access and stay in care. By understanding how large systems operate, he works creatively within them to break the cycles of homelessness and incarceration. 

Harjit’s approach is rooted in a simple philosophy: meet people where they are. Today, as Regional Vice President for , he has helped expand a full spectrum of community-based services that now serve thousands of vulnerable residents every year.

Those who work with Harjit note his empathy, integrity, and alignment with social work values. He actively supports frontline care teams while keeping his focus on the human beings behind the policies.

By proving that coordinated care, stable housing, and permanent supportive solutions are vital to recovery, Harjit helps individuals move past short-term crisis management toward long-term stability. For his dedication to improving California’s mental health systems, the Steinberg Institute is proud to honor Harjit Singh Gill as a 2026 Champion.

Watch his story and the incredible work he’s doing at the link in our bio.

Thank you for coming along on this journey with us and celebrating these inspiring individuals.

Recently at the 2026 EmPATH Summit in Salt Lake City, our CEO Karen Larsen spoke on what it will take to create a more coordinated behavioral health crisis care system nationwide. She was joined by President Theo Koury and President Tony Cirillo.

Thank you to EmPATH Consulting for hosting this important event!

Today is all about community, connection, and mental health.

We’re proud to join the incredible organizations and advocates working to transform California’s mental health system at in Sacramento.

Stop by our booth on the State Capitol grounds (14th & L) anytime until 1pm. We’d love to connect with you!