TREAT California Withdraws 2024 Ballot Initiative Efforts, Redirects Focus to TREAT Humanity

Sherman Oaks, Calif., November 2, 2023 — TREAT California, a citizen-driven ballot initiative to fund research and access for psychedelic medicines to treat mental health, is withdrawing from the signature-gathering process.

Voters have expressed widespread support for the initiative’s objectives; however, recent polling indicates that they do not yet believe in creating a state agency to fund the program. TREAT California is urging its coalition —including veterans, first responders, medical experts, university students, unions, business communities, and a dedicated volunteer force of more than 2,800 — to channel their efforts into the newly formed TREAT Humanity. This nonprofit organization is committed to furthering treatments, research, education, access, and therapies to treat mental health and optimize wellbeing.

In October 2023, FM3 Research conducted a poll using text from the attorney general’s summary of the act, which matched the text California voters would see on the 2024 ballot. While three in five Democrats supported the measure, most independents and Republican voters opposed it. Findings include:

● 74% of all likely voters agree that California must address mental health conditions — including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
● 45% do not support establishing a state government agency to deliver new therapies using psychedelics —and 60% oppose state funding for these therapies.
● 54% believe the state is headed in the wrong direction — an increase from 48% in 2019.

“We are in a mental health catastrophe. Millions are screaming for help, not just in California, but across the country,” said Jeannie Fontana, CEO of TREAT California, and founder of TREAT Humanity. “This polling shows people are in violent agreement about the problem, and we all need it solved. TREAT Humanity arises from this shared conviction. Our mental health crisis will not go away until we solve it.”

TREAT Humanity will begin engaging immediately with experts, stakeholders, elected officials, and
the public to chart a new course. The organization is prioritizing public-private partnerships, research collaborations, and community-driven efforts to drive real, positive, and lasting change.

“This polling is not a sign of defeat. It is clarity about our path forward, illuminating our way with vision, hope, dedication, and determination,” Dr. Fontana said. “The resolve of our team and coalition is unwavering. We need a path through these dark times in our nation and across the globe. We are all in this together, all part of the same human family, each of us a thread in the tapestry of humanity.”

“This movement is bigger than any single ballot initiative,” said Guy McDermott, former U.S. Navy SEAL and California firefighter. “Safe and effective psychedelic-assisted therapies are necessary to help us get through this mental health crisis. Our military should not have to leave our country to receive life-saving therapies. We will not stop until people who are suffering get the help they need and deserve. We absolutely must treat humanity.”

About TREAT Humanity
TREAT Humanity, a 501(c)(3), seeks to improve the mental wellbeing of humanity. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit https://www.treathumanity.org.
For Media Inquiries
Jeannie Fontana, MD, PhD
Founder, TREAT Humanity
hello@treathumanity.org
(805) 225-3171
Acknowledgements:
TREAT California and TREAT Humanity are deeply grateful for the generous contributions from all our donors, including sponsorship of our polling by David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner’s, and Sterling Communications’ immense help.

“This problem will not go away… until we solve it”. We need YOU —come be a part of the solution.”