MO Governor Proposes Measure Aimed at Helping the Mentally Ill
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: February 8, 2013
JEFFERSON CITY, MO-- The Missouri governor is hoping to put more state resources into helping the mentally ill. Jay Nixon proposes spending $10 million to increase staffing at community mental health centers... fund emergency room intervention teams ... and train police and teachers how to identify and respond to those in need. The effort comes in response to recent high profile shootings like that at Newtown, Connecticut.
Nixon said, "We have seen the tragic consequences when people with serious mental illness don't get the help they need. Right now, many people with severe mental illness only get treatment when they reach a crisis point. That's too late."
The governor has presented the plan to state lawmakers as part of his 2014 budget proposal.
