CONCORD, N.H. —
The New Hampshire Executive Council narrowly approved millions in mental health funding Wednesday at the State House.
Councilors debated for hours over how to spend $21 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Initiative.
The program is designed for rapid results, meaning unspent funds are returned to Washington.
“This grant, nationally, is competitive, and I put New Hampshire up against anyone,” said Gov. Kelly Ayotte. “But next year’s funding is on the line.”
New Hampshire is expected to receive more than $100 million for mental health over the next five years.
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Councilor John Stephen raised concerns about how much of the funding would go to consultants, even though those costs are capped in this program at 10% of the state’s award.
“Yes, there’s going to be a review of the GO-NORTH. Yes, there’s going to be a review of the board of directors. Yes, there’s going to be involvement of the government, but there will not be involvement of the council, other than notification,” Stephen said.
Part of the funding will allow the state’s community mental health centers to share a single records system, improving coordination for patients who often move within the state.
“The 10 community mental health centers become one network; integrated behavioral health care; scaling our certified behavioral health care centers. It’s a win,” said Executive Councilor Janet Stevens.