Thursday, August 31, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces $14 Million Grant to Improve Mental Health Services
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt announced that Missouri is one of eight states selected to receive a five-year Federal grant totaling $14,190,500 to be used to transform the state’s mental health system.
“This grant will help improve client care and ensure that the state offers a coordinated and comprehensive approach to available mental health resources,” Blunt said. “It is a valuable opportunity to build on the improvements we have already made to our state’s mental health programs and to continue efforts to enhance care and maximize tax dollars through more efficient and user friendly processes.”
Under the grant, awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Blunt will establish a Mental Health Transformation Leadership Workgroup comprised of senior leaders from the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services, Health and Senior Services, Corrections, Public Safety, and Elementary and Secondary Education, along with mental health consumers, family members, and other stakeholders. Blunt named Diane McFarland, director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services in the Department of Mental Health, to serve as workgroup chair.
The group will be charged with developing and implementing a Comprehensive State Mental Health Plan that transcends all departments involved in the delivery and financing of mental health services. The grant will support plan implementation including workforce development, technology enhancements, training, local system development and evidence based practices.
The group’s work will complement work already underway by a special intra-agency task force created by the governor to ensure that client safety is protected and that timely and adequate investigations are conducted in all deaths at state mental health facilities.
For more information about the grant or work group contact Diane McFarland at (573) 751-3035.
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