Nebraska Advises Against $15 Million Cut in Mental Health Funding
The head of an advisory committee on behavioral health care, Tim Heller, has urged Governor Jim Pillen to reconsider a proposed $15 million cut in funding for mental health services in Nebraska. Heller, who has a personal connection to the issue with a son facing severe mental illness, emphasized the importance of proper funding for these services. He highlighted that adequate funding could potentially reduce emergency room visits, homelessness, and the reliance on prisons as mental health facilities in the state.
Heller’s concerns were echoed by members of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations, who fear that the proposed funding cut could lead to a decrease in services, causing an increase in emergency visits and law enforcement calls for mental health crises. Tami Lewis-Ahrendt, the COO of CenterPoint in Lincoln, warned of the possible consequences, stating that without adequate funding, individuals may end up in emergency rooms or jail cells.
The Pillen administration defended the cut, citing unspent funds accumulated after Medicaid expansion. However, critics like Annette Dubas of the behavioral health association argue that while Medicaid expansion has reduced patient loads, it has not addressed all mental health needs. They also point out that Medicaid does not cover all services, including essential programs like crisis hotlines and police-accompanied mental health calls.
Providers of behavioral health services are concerned about the impact of the funding cut, particularly the potential closure of programs and the increase in waitlists for vital services. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services maintains that the existing appropriation for behavioral health is sufficient, but advocates argue that more needs to be done to address the ongoing mental health crisis in the state.
As the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee moves forward with crafting the final state budget, stakeholders in the behavioral health community are hoping for a reconsideration of the proposed funding cut. With Nebraska ranking poorly in providing behavioral health services, advocates like Heller stress the importance of investing in mental health resources for the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the call to action is clear: Nebraska must prioritize mental health funding to support those in need and prevent further crises in the state.
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