Nevada Lawmakers Approve Funding for Mental Health Services

Nevada lawmakers have approved over $10 million to enhance the state's 988 crisis hotline, which has seen nearly a 100 percent increase in utilization since its transition from a 10-digit hotline in July 2022.

The funding, shifted from state reserves, aims to strengthen suicide and mental health crisis support services, particularly in Southern Nevada, as stated by Trinh Dang-Mai, the executive director of the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

This investment is seen as critical to building a comprehensive crisis system that includes effective response mechanisms for individuals and families in need. Additionally, lawmakers allocated nearly $485,000 to regulate four youth residential mental health facilities in Las Vegas following allegations of neglect and abuse.

This funding comes after a court ruling that allowed investigations into these facilities, which have faced numerous complaints regarding their treatment of adolescents with mental health challenges. Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May expressed concern over the situation, calling it heartbreaking and horrifying.

The state aims to ensure that children receive proper care and are placed in safe environments as investigations continue.