NH Senate Votes to Speed Up Implementation of the 10-Year Mental Health Plan

March 14, 2019

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB 292-FN. In January 2019, the NH Department of Health and Human Services released a 10-year plan to restore New Hampshire’s mental health system – the third of its kind in the past decade. The development of this most recent 10-year mental health plan involved all stakeholders, in a comprehensive manner, to address the mental health needs of New Hampshire children and adults alike. Unfortunately, the last 10-year mental health plan, enacted in 2008, was never implemented. SB 292 requires the NH Department of Health and Human Services to report its progress; any delays in implementation will require explanation and a plan for remediation.

New Hampshire is facing a profound mental health crisis, and this 10-year plan is a roadmap for its resolution. This bill ensures its full and timely implementation.

Prime sponsor Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye) released the following statement after the vote:

“New Hampshire used to be a leader when it comes to mental health; unfortunately, our system has steadily eroded as the demand for services has outpaced the capacity to provide them. We can’t wait any longer to reverse this trend. Today’s vote is an important step to ensuring the Department of Health and Human Services has the resources and support to fully implement the 10-year mental health plan now and ensure New Hampshire residents have access to the critical mental health services they need, when they need them.”