Messmer column: Expanding mental health care in Indiana

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) discusses Expanding Mental Health Care in Indiana. 

Each year, Indiana Senate Republicans release our top priorities on topics we want to tackle during a legislative session.

This year, one of those top priorities is Senate Bill 1, which would ensure all Hoosiers have better access to mental health care.

In recent years, we have seen the need to expand and restructure aspects of our mental health care system. That's why Senate Bill 1 would provide ongoing funding to build out a system of certified behavioral health clinics.

Last year, the 9-8-8 National Suicide and Crisis Line went live, giving Hoosiers a place to call when they need mental-health support. The next step for improving our mental-health infrastructure is to make sure every person has a place to go to get care.

This initiative has seen broad support, including Lt. Gov Suzanne Crouch testifying in favor of the bill and bravely sharing her own family's battles with mental illness.

Mental health continues to be a growing concern for Indiana and the entire country. One in five adults deal with some sort of mental illness each year, and one in 20 adults deal with serious mental illness.

Indiana must do more to help Hoosiers get care for mental health issues. It's estimated that untreated mental illness costs the state $4.2 billion every year.

The goal of Senate Bill 1 is to give every Hoosier someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe place for help.

The bill will now go before the full Senate on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.