October 2025

Counties are sharing ways in which proactive communication and community engagement regarding CARE has allowed them to reach those who have not been well served by existing systems.

Examples include:

• Increased awareness among providers and the public — Outreach and translated materials are helping service providers, community organizations, and residents recognize who CARE serves and how to connect members of their community to CARE.
• Better coordination with family — Engagement strategies support family members and close contacts to participate in petitioning and supporter roles.
• More petitions and voluntary connections — Counties report increases in petitions filed and additional people connecting voluntarily to services after outreach and engagement efforts, expanding the number of people who access services.

The Communications Toolkit can help counties and stakeholders raise awareness and educate communities about CARE. It provides communications strategies, accessibility and website guidance, and customizable template materials counties can adapt to fit capacity, budget, and local needs.

What’s included:

• Templates, including a new reference card (both a statewide version and a county template version for professional printing or in-house printing) press release, talking points, flyers, tri-fold brochure, and social media copy and graphics.
• Materials to help tell the story of CARE, including a peer video in English and Spanish (along with a tip sheet and social media graphics) and a presentation overview of the CARE Act and process slide deck.
• Other tools, such as stock images, communications tips, and website best practices.

Some ideas of practical steps counties can take to communicate CARE to the community:

• Download and localize the reference card — Get the statewide card and county template for professional printing or in-house printing, update local contact info and resources for printing and digital use. Disseminate with police departments, firefighters, EMS workers, shelters, and emergency departments.
• Activate system partner outreach — Prioritize briefings and one-on-one outreach with emergency responders, shelters, peer organizations, and family advocacy groups so referral steps are understood and used.
• Publish a short social campaign — Schedule 4 – 6 posts using copy and graphics, include alt text and a link to the county CARE page to drive referrals and awareness.
• Hold partner briefings and community forums — Use the CARE slide deck and talking points to align behavioral health providers, families, and system partners on eligibility, process, and supporter roles.