Establishes integrated community mental health clinics

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Robert Jackson says this is needed

The State continues to fail individuals who suffer from brain diseases that manifests itself in symptoms of mental illness. No matter the health care discussion; brain health always gets short changed. This legislation endeavors to advance access to treatments for mental health in a statewide community health center model. Research has proven that health care must be accessible -not only financially - but geographically as well. Community clinics that offer integrated services for families caring for individuals with mental health symptoms; substance abuse; isolation concerns and anger management are fundamental to addressing our mental health crisis. We know from public reports the tragedies that can occur when a person's mental health status goes amiss and untreated. We know that families are forced to secretly struggle with these illnesses because treatment is not locally available. This legislation intends to move services locally so families and individuals can access them and get relief through treatment.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.