STOCKTON, CA - At its meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved a critical step in the development of the Be Well Campus, a transformational behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility that will serve as the cornerstone of a more compassionate, coordinated, and effective behavioral health system in the County.
The Board unanimously voted to approve the project's $261.8 million budget and award of a Progressive Design-Build Validation Services agreement to Herrero-McGuire Hester Joint Venture (HMH) of Oakland, CA in the amount of $1,675,000. This marks the official launch of the project's first phase, which includes project validation and early design work
“This project is not just about building a facility—it's about investing in the future of health care for our growing community,” said Board Chair Paul Canepa. “As our County continues to expand, we must ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our residents. By leveraging local resources and securing state and federal support, we're building a system of care that will address the behavioral health and substance use challenges our residents face, reduce homelessness, and offer long-term recovery options right here at home.”
A New Model of Care for San Joaquin County
Located on 23 acres of County-owned land in French Camp near San Joaquin General Hospital, the Be Well Campus will offer a full continuum of services, including:
- Crisis stabilization
- Detox and sobriety centers
- Youth and family outpatient services
- Substance use treatment
This will be the first facility in the region to consolidate such comprehensive services under one roof—improving access, reducing stigma, and helping residents avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or incarceration.
“Sixty percent of emergency room visits in our County are tied to acute substance use disorder,” said Genevieve Valentine, Director of the San Joaquin County Health Care Services Agency. “This project allows us to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right setting— for everyone in our community.”
Construction Timeline and Funding
Construction is expected to begin in September 2025, following environmental review and final permitting. The first phase of the campus is scheduled for substantial completion by July 2027, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned later this year.
To fund this transformational project, the County is leveraging a mix of local, state, federal, and private sources. Key funding includes:
- National Opioid Settlement Funds
- Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 5
- Assembly Bill 179 (Budget Act of 2022)
- Health Plan of San Joaquin
- Public health allocations secured by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein
- Private sector match funds
To date, $66.29 million has been secured, with an additional $232 million identified through pending grants and local partnerships.
The County project team and HMH will also explore incorporating energy-efficient features aligned with the County's Energy Strategic Plan and evaluate options to accelerate the timeline where feasible.
“This is a major step forward in creating a facility that will provide the care our community needs,” said Dan Wirtz, head of the General Services Division. “We're excited to begin this partnership with HMH and bring the Board's vision to life to improve outcomes for San Joaquin County residents.”
A Vision Rooted in Compassion and Collaboration
The Be Well Campus reflects the Board's commitment to addressing the County's behavioral health crisis through long-term investment, cross-sector collaboration, and equity-driven service delivery.
“We know this crisis isn't unique to San Joaquin County,” said Chair Canepa. “But we intend to be a leader in how communities respond—with compassion, collaboration, and results.”
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned to coincide with the start of construction later this year.
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