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Columbus, Ohio – After cooking Mental health is a priority Since taking office in early 2019, Governor Mike DeWine has signed $175 million in mental health expenses into law.
Expenses are divided into two tranches, according to documents provided by the Office of Budget and Management.
“This additional $175 million investment in expanding mental health infrastructure and workforce development is significant and has received broad legislative support,” OBM spokesperson Pete Lubiba said in an email. “We look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly on this critical priority in the next budget.”
according to Fact statement Provided by OBM, 2.4 million Ohioans live in communities with a shortage of mental health professionals, 21% of the state’s population suffers from a mental health or substance use disorder, and demand for behavioral health services increased 353% between 2013 and 2019 while the number of The number of mental health professionals decreased by only 174%.
According to 2020 Reporting by United WayOhio ranked middle of the states when it came to access to mental health services, while Ohioans were seventh least likely to have access to such services.
One tranche of the $90 million in new mental health funds will be earmarked for “mental health crisis infrastructure expansion initiatives.” One-time spend will go to:
- installation units
- Short-term housing services in crises
- Hospital conversion
- Step-down centers
- Mobile crisis response
- Behavioral health urgent care centers
The bill providing the money would require it to be allocated regionally and spent on construction, renovation and technology upgrades.
Another $90 million will be devoted to developing human capital in the mental health system by funding mental health licensure and certification programs at Ohio’s two- and four-year colleges.
“The health and success of families and communities in Ohio depends on our ability to recruit, train and retain the best talent to ensure Ohio has the most solid talent Behavioral health workforce DeWine said in a May press release announcing the initiative. “Behavioral health care workers are an important and vital part of our health care system, and our efforts today are focused on helping to quickly deploy more qualified professionals into behavioral health care workplaces across the state. I look forward to working with the General Assembly and Ohio providers.” And our colleges and universities are in this innovative plan.”
Among the uses permitted by the legislation, the funds will be used for:
- Coordinating multi-agency campaign and coordinating initiatives.
- Develop a program of scholarships and paid training funds for colleges and universities.
- Fund short-term training sessions run by community behavioral health providers.
- Expand residency training and fellowship programs for advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians dedicated to serving behavioral health, seniors, and communities with developmental disabilities.
- Provide funding for public colleges and universities that develop or increase capacity in distance learning opportunities or additional degree programs that lead to accredited or licensed behavioral health careers.
- Campaign to promote training programs for school guidance counselors, academic counselors at colleges and universities, and employment counselors to encourage people to seek training in the areas of mental health.