In response to the severe shortage of resources available to Minnesotans facing mental health crises, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point) joined her Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a series of proposals aimed at combatting the shortage. The bills, which have received overwhelming support from medical professionals, law enforcement, local governments, and the public, are part of the larger Senate Republican “Caring for People” agenda.
“Mental health issues discriminate against no one – it afflicts our families, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Right now, counties and other local governments are bearing the brunt of these costs, with people having to travel hundreds of miles for treatment” said Senator Housley. “Having access to effective, readily-available treatment in the event of a mental health crisis is imperative. More proactive mental health resources, such as school-based mental health programs and counseling support for farm families, is equally as important in addressing the diverse needs of our state.”
The package of legislation includes:
- Grants for projects to design, construct, and equip crisis centers to care for people with mental illness or substance use disorders. New crisis centers will allow counties to provide needed community-based services with a focus on crisis stabilization.
- Housing infrastructure bonds for permanent supportive housing for those who need a longer stay or extended monitoring to get back on their feet.
- Grants to support students’ mental health needs via telemedicine.
- Funding for mental health support for farmers and farm families.
- Funding for safe schools that can be used for school counselors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and alcohol and chemical dependency counselors.
Funding for emergency mental health crisis centers is the top priority of the Association of Minnesota Counties, with all 87 counties drafting resolutions in support of the initiative. It also has broad support from medical professionals and advocacy groups, including Mayo Clinic, the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators, the Minnesota Hospital Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs Association, and NAMI Minnesota.
“A debate on how we can best address Minnesota’s mental health crisis has been taking place in hospitals, schools, churches, and seats of government across the state for years. With such broad agreement, we must act this session,” Senator Housley continued. “This is for the good of all Minnesotans.”
Senator Karin Housley is in her second term representing Senate District 39, which includes Stillwater, Forest Lake, Lake Elmo, and other communities in Chisago and Washington counties. She serves as chairwoman of the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee.