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Minutes for HB2669 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Codifying the mental health intervention team program administered by the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 8, 2024
Andy Brown, Deputy Secretary for Programs, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 1). Mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being and profoundly impacts a student's ability to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. Many students face significant barriers to access mental health support. HB2669 represents a crucial step towards ensuring that every student has access to mental health services they require. Clarification may be needed in the bill to promote an understanding that the bill does not limit the school district's choice in community providers. Investing in mental health services in schools yields significant long-term benefits for both individuals and society. By allocating funds for mental health services in schools, we have an unprecedented opportunity to transform lives of countless young people.
Mr. Brown responded to questions from the committee.
Kyle Kessler, Executive Director, Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 2). The success of the program is predicated on allowing schools to focus on education and the CMHCs to focus on treatment and improving care, including the ability to provide 24/7 crisis services outside of school hours. A description of program design and staffing was provided. The roles of the school and CMHC staff members was reviewed. A funding overview was provide. The MHIT program will be open to private schools under the bill. KDADS is the state's mental health authority and is in a unique position to oversee the program and to ensure that it aligns with best practices in mental health services delivery.
Mr. Kessler responded to questions from the committee
Randy Callstrom, CEO, Wyandot Behavioral Health Network, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 3). His CMHC was one of the first to participate in the MHIT pilot program working with 11 schools in the USD500 Kansas City Kansas School District. Currently 14 schools participate as well as the Bonner springs School District. Prior to the Bonner Springs District joining the program, the police were called when a student made statements about suicide or threatened to do harm to themselves. Today, we respond to assess the youth, the student's risk and work with the family to help the youth assess the level of care they need. Barriers to accessing mental health care, such as transportation, are mitigated by providing therapy and case management services in the school. Statistics through December 2023 from the Kansas City Kansas District were provided to the committee. Suicides have increased 60% since 2011. The need for sustainable funding for the MHIT program has never been greater.
Joan Tammany, Executive Director, COMCARE of Sedgwick County, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 4). COMCARE had the privilege of being one of the early provider partners for the MHIT program. The program has grown from one school district to six in their area, providing behavioral health services in 52 schools now. So far 900 youths have participated this school year. The program assists the lives of children who are struggling and families who are just trying to cope. Examples of how the program has helped students and families were provided.
Jennie Watson, School and Outreach Services Director, Family Service and Guidance Center (FSGC), provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 5). FSGC was one of the original 6 centers. 2023 data points regarding the MHIT program in Shawnee County were provided. The MHIT staff intervened in 214 crisis situations either in the school or in the community, resulting in opportunities for earlier intervention and a bigger array of services while reducing the need for more acute hospitalization or PRTF beds. A success story was provided. The benefits of the MHIT program were reviewed with the committee.
Patrick Schmitz, CEO, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 6). It was noted that the center was the first CMHC in Kansas to be certified as a Certified Community Behavioral Heath Center. For over 26 years the center has had a strong partnership of service with its local school districts through it WRAP program. This is the first year that the center is a part of the MHIT program. This is a critical piece of legislation focused on strengthening and enhancing behavioral health services and support, particularly in the education systems. The key objectives of the legislation were reviewed. One of the significant aspects is the role the liaison plays in coordinating services. We have learned over the last few months that combining the MHIT program with the CCBHC we are making more significant impacts on the lives of students while creating a more sustainable program and strong partnership with the schools.
Chuck Weber, Executive Director, Kansas Catholic Conference, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 7). A recent report noted that our hospital emergency rooms are being flooded with pediatric cases covering mood disorders, anxiety disorders and behavioral and emotional disorders. A portion of the Covid-19 dollars from the federal government went to both public and private schools. Some of this money was used for mental health services. Those funds are now being exhausted. HB2669 is designed to help fill in some of the gaps for mental health services for children.
Jamie Finkeldei, Associate Superintendent, Catholic Diocese of Wichita Kansas, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 8). Statewide, 48% of all Kansas kids are on free and reduced lunch. While some Catholic schools have a low percentage, many schools in this district have percentages up to 95%. These schools mirror the state regarding ethnicity. The Covid EANS money helped the schools with providing mental health services. That money is running out. HB2669 offers a lifeline to keep up and improve the mental health services that are needed.
Dawn Greene-Vade, Certified Nurse Assistant, Holy Savior Catholic Academy, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 9). Ms. Greene-Vade provided a personal story regarding her daughter and how the MHIT program can create a safety and security net for families.
Gabriela Raymundo, Social Worker, St. Patrick Catholic School, provided testimony in support of HB2669 (Attachment 10). Parents and students must have access to mental health support in a day-to-day setting to create a mutual understanding between all parties. Without the support of a dedicated mental health provider, many of these students and families would not have the appropriate resources to handle delicate situations. With social media, bullying and other issues, mental health support is more important than ever. Stories were provided of experiences at the school.
Ms. Raymundo responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided testimony in support:
Camille Straub, Principal, St. Patrick Catholic School (Attachment 11)
Dr. Vincent Cascone, Superintendent of Schools, Catholic Diocese of Kansas City Kansas (Attachment 12)
Michelle Mead, Principal, St. Mary Catholic School, Garden City (Attachment 13)
Gerry Hamilton, Principal, At. Anne Catholic School, Wichita (Attachment 14)
Anna Deines, Private Citizen (Attachment 15)
Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools, Catholic Diocese of Salina (Attachment 16)
Nina Lopez, Private Citizen (Attachment 17)
Joyce Aranda, Principal, All Saints Catholic School, Wichita (Attachment 18)
Tammy Toney, EANS Para, All Saints Catholic School, Wichita (Attachment 19)
Alexandra Converse, Registered Nurse, All Saints Catholic School, Wichita (Attachment 20)
Jessica Rose, Teacher, All Saints Catholic School, Wichita (Attachment 21)
Hannah Schartz, Social Services specialist, All Saints Catholic School, Wichita (Attachment 22)
Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, Associate Superintendent for Student Services, Archdiocese of Kansas City Kansas (Attachment 23)
Allison Carney, Associate Superintendent, Archdiocese of Kansas City Kansas (Attachment 24)
Timothy Graham, Director of Government Relations, Kansas National Education Association (Attachment 25)
