Arkansas Launches $10 Million Crisis Hub Initiative for Mental Health Services
Fayetteville, Ark. (KATV) — The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a significant investment of $10 million toward establishing a centralized Crisis Hub and Crisis Continuum, in partnership with the University of Arkansas’s Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. This collaboration aims to enhance mental health and substance abuse services for both children and adults across the state.
The initiative, led by Dr. Johanna Thomas, Director of the School of Social Work, will prioritize programs focused on infant mental health, school-based behavioral health, and specialized treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. Dr. Thomas emphasized the necessity of a coordinated crisis care system in Arkansas, highlighting the program’s emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and structured crisis response.
"This project begins with prevention, transitions into crisis intervention, and ensures follow-up treatment is accessible for those in need," Thomas stated. Her team will collaborate with various agencies, local schools, and community stakeholders to develop an effective crisis hub model tailored for the state.
DHS Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Director Paula Stone expressed pride in partnering with the University of Arkansas to address existing gaps in the mental health system. “This work will ensure that services are readily available to prevent crises and support Arkansans during challenging times,” Stone remarked.
The initiative will introduce seven pilot locations across the state to test the proposed crisis care continuum. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders acknowledged the statewide implications of mental health and addiction, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive statewide response. “Through programs like the new crisis hub, we can address both adults’ and children’s needs early and often,” she stated.
This ambitious effort aims to foster a collaborative approach to mental health challenges in Arkansas, emphasizing community engagement and support.
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