Marshall Announces Kansas Grant to Improve Behavioral Health

US Senator Roger Marshall has announced the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the state of Kansas a $1 million, one-year planning grant to expand certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) across the state.

CCBHCs have shown to reduce hospital emergency services by providing timely access to coordinated comprehensive behavioral care and they have also provided aid to local law enforcement agencies by providing 24-hour mental health crisis response. Senator Marshall led the Kansas delegation in sending a letter to SAMHSA in support of the state's application.

"CCBHCs can help transform communities across Kansas by providing timely access to comprehensive behavioral and mental care," said Senator Marshall. "I value how CCBHCs work collaboratively with hospitals to step in and reduce emergency department visits and aid law enforcement officers in responding to individuals suffering from a behavioral health crisis. I applaud the state legislature for laying the groundwork and passing comprehensive legislation to increase the number of CCBHCs in the state and congratulate KDADS and KDHE for being one of 15 states selected to participate in this pilot program. This has been a collaborative effort since we extended the federal pilot program in December 2020. I'll continue to assist the state agencies and CCBHCs so they successfully serve Kansans in need."

"We are honored to be one of the 15 states receiving this planning grant, the first step on the path toward Kansas ultimately being selected as one of 10 to SAMHSA's CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration project," said KDADS Secretary Laura Howard. "Participation in that project would highlight the significant work Kansas has put into strengthening and transforming the state's behavioral health system one community at a time and hold us up as an example for the rest of the nation."

"Kansas has been a leader in the CCBHC arena, launching its first CCBHCs almost a year ago," said KDHE State Medicaid Director Sarah Fertig. "This planning grant will allow the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to build on its success and help drive better integration of primary care and behavioral health. This award would not be possible without close partnerships with providers and the support of our Congressional delegation."

You may click HERE to the read the full text of the letter.

(Information courtesy Senator Marshall's Office.)