Governor Brownback held a press conference this afternoon in Lenexa to announce a GBA (Governor's Budget Amendment) proposal asking the Legislature to commit an additional $5 million state general funds to social services.  The proposal commits most of the spending to reducing PD and DD waiting lists.  It would also draw down additional federal dollars for this purpose.

$1 million is targeted to mental health and substance abuse treatment.  As reported by KHI News Service, "The governor said he also will ask the Legislature for $500,000 to "beef up" substance use disorder treatment for the uninsured.  If approved, officials said that would fund 81 inpatient beds.  He also will ask for $500,000 to expand state hospital and corrections system mental health diversion programs to strengthen crisis services, law enforcement training and prevention programs."

This is yet another step toward addressing some of the issues brought forward by the Governor's Mental Health Task Force Report.  Read the report.

The Kansas Mental Health Coalition is supportive of these budget amendments and looks forward to lending its support to further actions by KDADS and other state agencies to implement the task force recommendations.

Read the full KHI article containing much more detail about the waiting lists as reported by Mike Shields here.