Nevada Lawmakers Approve Funding for Mental Health Services

Nevada lawmakers have approved over $10 million to enhance mental health services, specifically for the 988 crisis hotline and oversight of youth mental health facilities. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the funding will support suicide and mental health crisis centers in Southern Nevada operated by Carelon Behavioral Health.

This investment is crucial as utilization of the 988 hotline has increased by nearly 100 percent since its launch in July 2022. Additionally, nearly $485,000 has been allocated for regulation of four youth residential mental health facilities in Las Vegas, following serious allegations of neglect and abuse.

Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May expressed the urgency of addressing the heartbreaking conditions reported at these facilities, emphasizing the need for proper oversight to ensure the safety and care of vulnerable youth.

The funding aims to establish a comprehensive crisis response system that includes someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go for those in need of mental health support.