Missouri budget vetoes axed $1M to expand Independence's community crisis resource

Summary

Of the 208 vetoes Gov. Mike Kehoe issued on Monday, one axed $1 million in funding for Independence’s Alternative Response for Community Health Program (ARCH).

Source: KSHB 41 Kansas City

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Q1: What was the purpose of the Alternative Response for Community Health Program (ARCH) in Independence, Missouri?

A1: The Alternative Response for Community Health Program (ARCH) in Independence, Missouri, is designed to address 911 calls related to behavioral health crises. It involves specially trained paramedics and social workers who respond to these calls and connect individuals with necessary resources such as mental health services and substance use specialists.

Q2: Why was the $1 million funding for the ARCH program vetoed in Missouri's latest budget?

A2: The $1 million funding for the ARCH program was vetoed as part of Governor Mike Kehoe's budget cuts, which included 208 vetoes across various programs. Despite a healthy state surplus, the governor prioritized cutting earmarked state funds, affecting programs like ARCH.

Q3: How is the ARCH program currently funded, and what challenges does it face following the veto?

A3: Currently, the ARCH program is funded through a combination of grants from Independence's fire and health departments. Following the veto, the city faces the challenge of finding additional funding sources to continue the program.

Q4: What are the broader implications of budget vetoes on community health programs in Missouri?

A4: The budget vetoes, despite a surplus, demonstrate a prioritization of fiscal restraint over expanding community health services. This impacts community health programs by limiting their ability to address mental health and substance use crises effectively, potentially leading to increased pressure on emergency services.

Q5: What are the potential consequences for communities if programs like ARCH are underfunded?

A5: Underfunding programs like ARCH can lead to insufficient resources to handle behavioral health crises, resulting in increased reliance on emergency services such as police and ambulances. This can strain these services and leave mental health needs inadequately addressed, potentially escalating crises.

Q6: How does the ARCH program contribute to the overall health and safety of the Independence community?

A6: ARCH contributes to community health and safety by providing specialized responses to behavioral health crises, reducing the burden on traditional emergency services, and ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care and connection to resources, thereby preventing escalation of crises.

Q7: What strategies could be implemented to secure funding for programs like ARCH in the future?

A7: To secure funding for programs like ARCH, strategies could include seeking alternative grants, fostering public-private partnerships, advocating for legislative support, and engaging community stakeholders to highlight the program's benefits and necessity to secure financial backing.

References:

KSHB - Kansas City, Missouri
MSN
Missouri Independent