Requires the department of mental health to apply for a federal grant to implement a statewide mobile mental health unit program

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Johnson

Missouri would pursue a federal grant to create a statewide mobile mental health unit program operated by DMH to deliver services outside traditional clinics.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#healthandseniorservices #departmentof #mentalhealth

Overview

HB 2675 (Missouri, 2026) would require the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) to apply for a federal grant to establish and implement a statewide mobile mental health unit program. The bill outlines the intent to leverage federal funding to create mobile units that provide mental health services across the state.

Main purpose and intent

Create a statewide mobile mental health unit program through a grant-funded approach.

Ensure DMH actively pursues federal funding to support expanded access to mental health services, particularly in underserved or hard-to-reach areas.

Enhance crisis response, outreach, and ongoing treatment by delivering services outside traditional clinic settings.

Key provisions and changes

Duty to apply for federal grant: The bill mandates the DMH to submit an application for a federal grant specifically to fund a statewide mobile mental health unit program.

Program scope and operation (implied): While detailed program parameters are not specified in the summary, the intended outcome is the deployment of mobile units capable of delivering mental health assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and related supports.

Funding mechanism (federal focus): The grant emphasis indicates reliance on federal funds to establish and operate the mobile units, with implementation contingent on grant approval and receipt.

Administrative responsibility: DMH would be the lead agency responsible for designing, applying for, and, if funded, managing the program.

Who would be affected

Missouri Department of Mental Health: Primary administrator and implementer of the grant application and, if funded, operation of the mobile units.

Residents across Missouri: Beneficiaries of expanded mobile mental health services, potentially including rural, underserved, and crisis-affected populations.

State government and potential partners: Possible collaboration with other state agencies, local governments, health systems, and community organizations in delivering mobile services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Prefiled and introduction: The bill was prefiled on January 5, 2026, indicating early-stage consideration.

First reading: January 7, 2026.

Second reading: January 8, 2026.

Referral to committee: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026, signaling a focus on topical or innovative policy considerations.

Timeline to action: As of the latest actions, the bill is in committee consideration. If enacted, the DMH would proceed with grant application processes and, contingent on grant award, start program development and implementation.

Potential impact and considerations

Access and equity: A statewide mobile program could improve access to mental health care, especially in rural or underserved areas with limited fixed-site services.

Federal funding dependency: Success hinges on securing federal grant funding; ongoing program viability would depend on grant terms, duration, and potential continuation or diversification of funding.

Implementation challenges: Operational considerations include vehicle procurement, staffing, data sharing, privacy, regulatory compliance, and integration with existing DMH services.

Evaluation: The bill as described does not specify evaluation metrics; effective implementation would benefit from performance measures, outcome tracking, and accountability mechanisms.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar mobile mental health initiatives or outline potential metrics for evaluating the program’s effectiveness.