The Napa County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has introduced the “Be Well” Mobile Services unit, aiming to increase access to essential safety net programs across the county. The new mobile unit brings services such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs enrollment, behavioral health assessments, and referrals for mental health and substance use treatment directly to neighborhoods, community centers, and local events.
The mobile team provides on-the-spot evaluations and same-day connections to help residents enroll in and maintain benefits that support health and economic stability. Regular service locations include downtown Napa at 3rd Street and Coombs, the Napa Senior Activity Center, Heritage House & Valle Verde Apartments, Valley Lodge Apartments, and St. Thomas Aquinas Church.
The “Be Well” Mobile Services unit was launched with a ceremony on September 29, 2025. According to HHSA, this initiative advances its Community Health Improvement Plan’s priority area of improving access to health services as well as its strategic goal of reducing barriers across all programs.
HHSA has also renewed its partnership with South Napa Shelter after challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration helps people experiencing homelessness overcome transportation barriers by providing eligibility services on-site. Yanely Lopez, an eligibility specialist at HHSA Self Sufficiency Services, plays a key role in this effort by assisting clients with applications for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Assistance, and ongoing case guidance.
Lopez shared her perspective: “I look forward to the days I work at South Napa Shelter where I have the privilege of providing comprehensive services and compassionate support to one of our most marginalized communities. This experience has strengthened my commitment to equity and social justice; it has deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers people face and reminded me of the power of direct human connection to create meaningful change.”
Clients have expressed appreciation for these efforts:
“It’s great that you can come to us instead of us having to travel there (to South Campus).”
“Thank you for having this; it makes it easier/closer for the community to access services.”
“When I first arrived at the shelter I had nothing—no friends or help—and when I came to you all you said you could handle everything. You were able to approve my CalFresh and give me my EBT card. The services you provide in CalFresh are exceptional. I can get hot food at Taco Bell. The level of help you provide by being at the shelter is very important for us since it’s not easy for us to get transportation to your main office—and you can do everything.”
In another initiative focused on supporting staff who serve families in need, HHSA’s Child Welfare Services division has partnered with California’s Advancing California’s Trauma-Informed Systems (ACTS) Project from Rady Children’s Hospital Chadwick Center in San Diego. With support from California’s Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP), ACTS provides reflective supervision sessions so staff can process challenges related to their work with children and families.
According to HHSA leadership: “Reflective supervision is not an add-on; it is a vital practice that helps staff feel valued, supported, and empowered as they meet the complex demands of child welfare work.”
September marked Suicide Prevention Month. In response, HHSA Comprehensive Services for Older Adults (CSOA), which houses Napa County Veterans Service Office (VSO), partnered with Mentis for a Suicide Prevention Conference held September 17 at Yountville Community Center. Dell Pratt from VSO led a discussion about recognizing concerns unique to veterans’ mental health needs.
This event was supported by Mental Health Services Act funds aligned with community health priorities including suicide prevention efforts through partnerships like Napa County Suicide Prevention Council.
The WIC program continues serving pregnant individuals, postpartum parents/caregivers, infants up through age five who meet eligibility requirements—reaching about 2,240 people locally each year despite state-level budget cuts affecting Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons in 2025. To keep families informed about benefit usage opportunities at authorized farmers markets—even without FMNP coupons—the WIC team implemented text reminders regarding fruit/vegetable benefits.
In August 2025 Napa County Corrections completed its move into a new jail facility equipped with expanded clinical space designed for privacy during therapy sessions as well as group programming aimed at both men (“Managing Stress & Building Resilience”) and women (“Psychoeducation Group”). Individual tablets now allow incarcerated individuals direct requests for behavioral health services plus access self-help resources—resulting in increased participation rates: In October 2025 alone out of an average daily population of 260 inmates approximately 74% received mental health care; there were 308 referrals—the highest monthly total—with roughly one-third diagnosed with a mental illness including severe cases.
Behavioral Health continues strengthening re-entry supports by coordinating pre-release planning among custody staff probation officers outpatient providers—a strategy consistent with broader justice initiatives statewide.
For more information about mobile service schedules or other programs visit www.napacounty.gov/HHSA/BeWellMobile
