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HB 1136

Department of Mental Health; establish grant program to assist with crisis stabilization unit expenses.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kent McCarty

Mississippi would create state grants to fund crisis stabilization unit operational costs, providing alternatives to emergency and inpatient mental health care.

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Bill Summary · HB 1136

Legislative bill overview

HB 1136 would establish a grant program administered by Mississippi's Department of Mental Health to help fund the operational expenses of crisis stabilization units (CSUs). These units provide short-term, community-based mental health interventions for individuals in crisis as an alternative to emergency department visits or inpatient hospitalization.

Why is this important

Crisis stabilization units have emerged as a cost-effective intervention that can reduce emergency department overcrowding, lower hospitalization rates, and provide more appropriate care for people experiencing mental health crises. Dedicated funding through state grants could expand access to these services across Mississippi and help communities establish new units in underserved areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and budget impact: The bill does not specify appropriation amounts or identify dedicated funding sources, raising questions about whether grants would come from existing mental health budgets or require new state spending
  • Implementation standards: The bill does not detail eligibility criteria for grants, performance metrics, or oversight mechanisms to ensure effective use of public funds
  • Coverage gaps: Unclear whether the program would prioritize urban versus rural areas or how it addresses the state's mental health workforce shortage needed to staff these units

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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