High Utilizers of Multiple Systems in Sonoma County

REPORT: High Utilizers of Multiple Systems in Sonoma County  

PRESS RELEASE: Report Finds 1% of Sonoma County Residents Account for Over 25% of Jail, Shelter, and Behavioral Health Utilization

Counties across California report that a large bulk of government programs and services are used by a relatively small group of familiar faces who cycle in and out of hospitals, homeless shelters, behavioral health programs, and jails. This report focuses on “high utilizers” in Sonoma County who use government programs and services provided in five domains: physical health, behavioral health, housing, human services, and criminal justice. While high utilizers in Sonoma County represent approximately 1% of the county population, they account for an average of 26% of jail time, 28% of annual costs for behavioral health services, and 52% of nights in housing or shelters provided to the homeless.

Select Media Coverage

Press Democrat: Bay Area experts discuss ‘State of Black housing’ in virtual panel (March 14, 2022)

Press Democrat: Study: Small group of Sonoma County residents use $162 million in social services annually (Aug 9, 2020)

North Bay Business Journal: New program connects Black Sonoma County residents with culturally competent, free mental health services (May 1, 2023)