STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2024) – State Rep. Becky Cash's (R-Zionsville) bipartisan legislation to help increase access to mental health treatment by allowing more local providers to compete for critical grant funding is on its way to the governor's desk.
Currently, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction distributes state and federal grants to nonprofit organizations that provide mental health treatment to adults and children. However, Cash said some communities don't benefit from these grants because they don't have a local nonprofit organization focused on offering these critical services. To help in these instances, Cash authored House Enrolled Act 1070 to extend grant eligibility to for-profit organizations.
"Additional mental health professionals or resources can make all the difference when someone is struggling and time is not on their side," Cash said. "Expanding who can apply for these grants could help get more mental health providers in Hoosier communities. It's commonsense legislation to provide Hoosiers more services in a cost-effective and efficient manner."
Cash said the Division of Mental Health and Addiction awards funding for mental health treatment that targets populations with financial need. She said one example is the Community Mental Health Block Grant Program, which awarded nearly $11.2 million in these grants and served about 142,000 eligible Hoosiers in 2022.
According to Cash, Community Mental Health Block Grants support programs that focus on targeted populations like adults with serious mental illnesses that limit or interfere with daily activities, and children with a diagnosable behavioral, mental or emotional issue that substantially interferes with, or limits, their role or functioning in family, school or community activities.
To follow legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) testifies on her legislation to help increase access to mental health treatment before the Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in the House Chamber at the Indiana Statehouse. Cash's House Enrolled Act 1070 will expand the use of grants awarded by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction to for-profit organizations to treat substance abuse and mental health issues.
