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MA Legislature Makes Historic Investment in Behavioral Health
State Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham)
State Representative Denise Garlick, Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
MA Legislature Makes Historic Investment in Behavioral Health Services
Representative Denice C. Garlick (D-Needham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, joined her colleagues in the Legislature to enact a Massachusetts FY19 state that includes over $1.3 billion in funding for behavioral health services.
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“This budget makes a historic investment in our behavioral health system, paving a path to recovery for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said State Representative Garlick. “With this funding, first responders and family members will have more tools for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. People struggling with mental health conditions or substance misuse will have more places to turn for support. Lives will be saved, and our communities will be strengthened.”The Department of Mental Health, which serves children and adults with serious, persistent mental illness, is funded at over $870 million—the highest level in two decades. DMH provides for case management services, therapeutic interventions, housing support, consultations on child psychiatric cases, and inpatient care. With this new funding, DMH will be able to expand its clinical services to include evidence-based peer support and services for co-occurring substance use disorders, giving clients the tools they need to live fulfilling, independent lives in the community.To address the ongoing opioid epidemic, the budget also includes $142 million for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services—funding that will go to open 5 new recovery centers and support or expand existing prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. Also included are an additional $3.8 million for local prevention and treatment programs, $4.9 million for step-down recovery services, and $1 million to increase access to overdose-reversing naloxone (Narcan) for first responders. Building on this session’s historic reforms of the criminal justice system, the budget also increases the Commonwealth’s investment in jail diversion. This includes $5 million for a residential treatment program for people with addiction, as well as $3 million to expand training and resources for law enforcement. This funding will ensure that people with behavioral health conditions receive appropriate treatment, rather than arrest and incarceration, helping people in recovery get back on their feet and promoting public safety across our communities.The Massachusetts Legislature voted on the state budget on July 18, 2018. The Governor has 10 days to review the budget and take action to either approve or veto the budget. The Governor may approve or veto the entire budget, veto or reduce specific line items, veto outside sections or submit changes as an amendment to the budget for further consideration by the Legislature.
