Lawmakers approve of the state's decision to invest ARPA funding to mental health

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

In an interview with KARK Channel 4’s Capitol View, State Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, and State Sen. Reginald Murdock, D- Marianna, both said they approved the state’s recent announcement to invest $30 million in mental health and substance abuse programs.

Murdock said this is an issue the state has been trying to address for the past four to five years and this investment was needed.

“There’s so many aspects of mental health that the country is becoming more aware of. So as we become more aware then I am glad to see the governor and the leadership come together to make sure that we start to fund this,” he said.

Lawmakers approve of the state's decision to invest ARPA funding to mental health

John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the state would be investing $30 million into mental health and substance abuse prevention.

Gov. Sanders, DHS announce $30 million plan for mental health, substance abuse, crisis response

KUAR | By Talk Business & Politics Staff

Gov. Sarah Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Tuesday (Feb. 13) a comprehensive plan to invest $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improve mental health and substance abuse services across the state through a variety of initiatives, including a statewide coordinated crisis response system.

Sanders approved the plan earlier this month, and the Arkansas Legislative Council’s (ALC) Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) Subcommittee approved the funding Tuesday. The full ALC committee will consider the proposal on Friday.

“The mental health and substance abuse crises in this country are layered. If we’re going to tackle them, our efforts will have to be layered too,” said Sanders. “I’m proud to announce Arkansas’ plan to address these issues head-on, including a statewide coordinated crisis response system. This will help us fill the gaps in our current efforts and ensure struggling Arkansans get the help they need.”

Gov. Sanders, DHS announce $30 million plan for mental health, substance abuse, crisis response

KATV-TV

The office of the Arkansas Department of Human Service in Little Rock.

DHS, UAMS Program Receives $9.5 Million Grant For Statewide Mental Health Initiative

By News Staff

LITTLE ROCK — In an effort to increase mental health services for Arkansans, especially in rural parts of the state, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced an $9.5 million, five-year mental health grant program.

DHS partnered with UAMS, two federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and the nonprofit Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network (ABIHIN) for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant.

The funds will implement a mental health and behavioral health collaborative care model at 36 clinics and health centers across the state.  This model links patients, primary care providers, behavioral health care managers, and psychiatric consultants. An electronic registry also is used as part of this model to track patient treatment and progress. These reforms will streamline health care, improve coordination and make it easier to connect patients with psychiatric services.

DHS, UAMS Program Receives $9.5 Million Grant For Statewide Mental Health Initiative

The Arkansas Department of Human Services has partnered with UAMS on a $9.5 million, five-year mental health grant program.