In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the significant cost savings associated with mental health treatment alternatives to incarceration, highlighting a potential savings of approximately $10,000 per individual by diverting them from jail to mental health services. The conversation underscored the inadequacy of jails as mental health facilities and emphasized the need for more effective treatment options.

Clorina from NAMI provided testimony, sharing personal insights into the benefits of assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) programs. She noted that these programs not only support individuals with mental health conditions but also positively impact their families, particularly those who may not recognize their need for care due to conditions like anosognosia.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by the current AOT program, which has seen a decline in participant numbers from 24 in the first year to just 17 in the third year. Officials acknowledged the need to expand eligibility criteria to include various levels of care, allowing more individuals to access necessary services. This adjustment aims to enhance community support and reduce the reliance on emergency services and jails.

Integral Care representatives explained that despite their reliance on state funding, there are currently no available state resources to sustain the AOT program, which was previously funded through a federal SAMHSA grant. They emphasized the importance of local funding to continue providing these essential services, especially as the state faces lawsuits over inadequate mental health care.

The meeting concluded with discussions on funding options for the AOT program, with officials considering various strategies to ensure its sustainability. The preferred option is to secure permanent funding, which would allow for consistent service delivery and better outcomes for individuals in need of mental health support.