NH House Votes to Fully Fund and Implement 10-Year Mental Health Plan
May 2, 2019
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed SB 292-FN, to ensure full and timely implementation of the NH Department Health and Human Services’ 10-Year Mental Health Plan. SB 292-FN passed the Senate on March 14.
Prime sponsor Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye) released the following statement after the votes:
“New Hampshire is facing a profound mental health crisis and the 10-Year Mental Health Plan is a roadmap for its resolution. I applaud today’s House vote in support of SB 292, a critical initiative that will ensure full and timely implementation of this 10-year plan and increase access to critical mental health care for the people of New Hampshire.”
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Background:
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.