Board approves $62 million Be Well behavioral health construction contract amid public concern over oversight

The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a contract to fund construction of the county’s Be Well Behavioral Health Hub campus in Irvine, drawing multiple public speakers who criticized contractor accountability, project delays and oversight.

Public commenters raised sharp concerns about Mind OC (doing business as Be Well), alleging the county holds multiple contracts with the organization, questioned large nonprofit salaries and asked why the county would advance payments for services not yet delivered. One speaker said the county had "multiple contracts with Mind OC, totaling over $90,000,000" and urged the board to halt the contracts until oversight issues were resolved.

Dr. Veronica Kelly, director of the Orange County Health Care Agency, told the board the item was for "construction of the Irvine campus, a new campus, which will allow us to serve more people who are experiencing a serious mental illness or a substance use disorder." She said project funding is a mix of federal earmarked dollars and state behavioral health infrastructure grant dollars specifically for building behavioral‑health infrastructure. When asked about the total construction budget, supervisors and staff identified approximately $62 million allocated for construction.

Supervisor Katrina Foley pressed for clarity on timing and contracting details; Dr. Kelly said the county broke ground in October 2023 and that the funds are directed to building the physical facilities that will later house services. Supervisor Sarmiento underscored the need for transparency and oversight while supporting the project’s goals.

The board moved and seconded the item and carried it unanimously; staff and the Health Care Agency said they would follow up with more detailed progress reports and cost‑tracking information for supervisors who requested it.

What it means: The county will proceed with construction of an Irvine Be Well campus intended to expand inpatient and community behavioral‑health capacity. Public speakers asked the board to tighten oversight and provide clearer procurement and progress reporting on large nonprofit contracts.