Unlocking Support: Dive into the Funding Process for Regional Behavioral Health Plans

Financial support is now available for improving behavioral health services in New Mexico. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is offering funding to help regions create effective plans for service delivery.

Up to $45,000 will be awarded to one local, tribal, or quasi-governmental organization in each of the state’s 13 behavioral health regions. This funding is intended to help each region identify its priorities and engage the community in a structured planning process.

Karl Reifsteck, AOC Director, emphasized that this funding will be crucial for regions to understand their specific needs and resources. Stakeholders will collaborate to choose an organization to apply for this funding, which must have support from county managers in their areas.

The financial assistance will cover costs for various planning activities. These include establishing committees, holding community meetings, and workshops to identify behavioral health resources and gaps. This funding is part of the AOC’s budget approved by the Legislature for the fiscal year that began on July 1.

Entities wanting to apply must submit their requests by September 30. For more details on the funding announcement and requirements, you can check the AOC’s official site.

Esperanza Lucero, the AOC’s administrator for behavioral health integration and reform, highlighted that this initiative will help build a lasting network for delivering essential services to New Mexicans.

### Importance of Behavioral Health Planning

Behavioral health planning is crucial, especially considering the rising mental health challenges in communities. A recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness revealed that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness. This makes effective service planning even more important to address the growing demand for mental health resources.

Incorporating community voices in planning ensures that services meet actual needs. Social media trends show rising discussions around mental health awareness, indicating a shift in public perception and urgency surrounding these issues.

By investing in regional planning, New Mexico aims to pave the way for a healthier future.



Source link