Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Crisis Care Enhancement Act, which directs states to utilize ten percent of their Mental Health Block Grant for crisis care services, once funding for the program is increased by ten percent nationally, to allow states to upgrade crisis care programs and strategies.
“People in Central Illinois need crisis intervention services more than ever before, especially at this point in the pandemic. UnityPoint Health – UnityPlace is the primary provider of emergency response services for people experiencing an acute mental health crisis and this increase in financial support would allow us to help even more people. These funds would help UnityPlace and other crisis providers sustain and expand the services our community members need,” said Ann Campen, Chief Financial Officer, UnityPoint Health – UnityPlace, Peoria.
“The need for mental health and addiction treatment services has never been greater. This proposal for a funding increase for crisis services is critical in maintaining the existing crisis system through UnityPoint Health – Robert Young Center. These funds would also provide the opportunity to enhance service coordination through partnerships with first responders, law enforcement, and other key community stakeholders. We would like to thank Rep. Cheri Bustos and lawmakers who support this bill in realizing the positive impact this would make for the people we serve,” said Dennis Duke, President, Robert Young Center, Quad Cities.