Grant supports mental-health system transformation

The grant will support work-force development, technology enhancements, training, local system development and evidence-based practices.

The Mental Health Transformation Leadership Workgroup, to be formed by Blunt, will develop and implement the plan for improvement.

Blunt has named Diane McFarland, director of the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services in the Department of Mental Health, as workgroup chair. The group will comprise leaders from the departments of mental health, social services, health and senior services, corrections, public safety, and elementary and secondary education, as well as mental health consumers, family members and other stakeholders.

Missouri is one of eight states selected to receive the five-year grant, awarded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The new initiative will be in addition to a special intra-agency task force that will look at protecting mental health clients’ safety and regulating investigations at all facilities. Work on the task force is under way.