Author: Windows User

2017 LEGISLATIVE MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES

TWO INITIATIVES PROPOSED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS,
AND LAW ENFOCEMENT EXPERIENCING CRISIS SITUATIONS:

Mental illness and its impact on individuals and communities has long been noted as a challenge within our social service and public health systems. With growing number of individuals suffering from mental illness, it has become critical additional resources become available to provide treatment and services.
It is Time to Advance Minnesota Forward
And Address Gaps Within Our Mental Health Supportive System
Two initiatives proposed to help individuals in crisis, also emergency departments and law enforcement:

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
$50 million to fund regional permanent supportive housing
Providing long-term, supported housing is key component of keeping those suffering from mental illness stable and hopefully prevent a future crisis from occurring.

REGIONAL TRIAGE CENTERS
$30 million to fund regional mental health triage centers across the state
$10 million for centers operational costs
The triage centers will allow for adults and children to be assessed by mental health professionals and access short-term stabilization beds and psychiatric care.

There is a major gap in amount of affordable supportive housing. After people receive inpatient treatment and are stabilized, they often have nowhere to go. Many low-income residents on public assistance programs often end up staying longer in inpatient facilities that can cost taxpayers up to $1,866 or more a day per person.
Emergency departments are overwhelmed by the number of individuals experiencing mental health crisis. The shortage of inpatient beds has a big impact on emergency rooms. It is not uncommon for patients experiencing a mental health crisis to spend days in the emergency room waiting for an inpatient bed to open up at a facility.
Emergency departments do not provide the appropriate setting to help someone struggling with a mental health crisis.

“For people who are suffering with mental health crises, it becomes critical to have access to a comprehensive supportive system.” - Senator David Senjem