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Minutes for HB2236 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Establishing the mental health intervention team program in the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute and providing incentives for coordination between school districts, qualified schools and mental health intervention team providers.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 4, 2025
Carly Choi provided an overview of HB2236 (Attachment 1).
Ms. Choi responded to questions from the committee.
Taylor Bremer, Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health Services, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 2). A history of the Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) Program was presented. On July1, 2024, MHIT was transferred from the Kansas State Department of Education to KDADS. HB2236 contains the same language as the FY25 proviso and outlines the program requirements which were provided to the committee. To date, over 15,000 students have received comprehensive behavioral health services in a school-based setting. By supporting the legislation, we are not only addressing the immediate challenges Kansas is facing with youth mental health crisis but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long term solutions that will benefit our communities for generations to come. The MHIT grant report for the 2023-2024 school year was provided (Attachment 3). The MHIT Annual Report to the 2025 Legislature was also provided (Attachment 4).
Ms. Bremer responded to questions from the committee.
Michelle Ponce, Associate Director, Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 5). The success of the program is predicated on allowing schools to focus on education and CMHCs to focus on treatment and improving care, including the ability to provide 24 hour crisis services outside of regular school hours, on weekends and during summer break. The key staff of the MHIT program includes a combination of behavioral health liaisons employed by the school district and clinical therapists and case managers employed by the CMHCs. The liaisons coordinate between the school, student, family and the CMHC. The roles of the liaison, case manager and therapist were reviewed. A chart was provided noting the growth of the program since the pilot program in 2018. A review of the program outcomes was presented. The program has been funded on a year-to-year basis that has caused uncertainty that does not allow for longer term planning.
Ms. Ponce responded to questions from the committee.
Randy Callstrom, President and CEO, Wyandot Behavioral Health Network, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 6). His CMHC was one of the first to participate in the MHIT pilot. In 2018, it served 11 schools in the Kansas City Kansas School District. Prior to participating, the Bonner Springs School District would call the police when a student made statements about suicide or threaten to hurt themselves. Today, we respond in the school to assess the student's risk and work with the family to help the youth access the level of care needed. The program also provides an additional option for foster children and families. Having a dedicated therapist and social worker within the school creates multiple real-life resourcing opportunities for children who are unsure of safe contacts within their environment. With our memorandum of understanding (MOU), there is consistency with providers, that speeds up the referral process, communication, consultation and intake which reduces barriers to entry of service. Previous years results were provided to the committee.
Mr. Callstrom responded to questions from the committee.
Kathy Moser, CEO, Family Service and Guidance Center (FSGC), provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 7). FSGC was one of the original CMHCs in the pilot. 2024 MHIT data points were provided to the committee. Success stories were provided. Moving to statute would allow for more stabilization within the workforce, more opportunity for growth and expansion, and better integrate programs to best serve the youth and families.
Ms. Moser responded to questions from the committee.
Shantel Westbrook, Director of Clinical Services, COMCARE of Sedgwick County, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 8). COMCARE currently serves 5 school districts, providing critical behavioral health services in 52 schools. During the current school year, services have been provided to over 900 students including foster kids. The effectiveness of the program was discussed noting current outcomes.
Craig Coe, Executive Director, High Plains Mental Health Centers, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 9). High Plain provide school based services to 41 public school districts, five private schools and 96 school buildings across northwest Kansas. In the past year 1,324 clients were served. Examples of life changing events were provided. The MHIT model has opened up new way to engage families. Now is the time to solidify the investment that has been made and make this a life changing program as a permanent part of the state's commitment to youth mental health.
Chuck Weber, Kansas Catholic Conference, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 10). While MHIT mental health services are available to any student, services in Catholic schools are being focused on high risk student populations or rural students where it can be difficult to get services.
Mr. Weber responded to questions from the committee.
Heather Snapp, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 11). Acting as the Regional Supervisor, Children First for CEO Kansas Inc, a partnership is providing 11 mental health professionals to the 15 non-public schools in central and eastern Kansas for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. The MHIT program is providing a full time mental health professional into schools who are the only mental health professional there. It has been found that telehealth is ineffective with children. Statistics were provided. An impact story was provided to the committee.
Ms. Snapp responded to questions from the committee.
Jamie Finkeldei, Associate Superintendent, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 12). The Diocese of Wichita has 8,840 students across 34 elementary and 4 high schools. Several of the schools have free and reduced lunch percentages ranging from 80-95%. We know that mental health issues are not limited by a zip code, the amount of money made, your religious affiliation or the school you attend. Thankfully, the MHIT program allows us to hire social workers, counselors and other therapists in our neediest schools.
Mr. Finkeldei responded to questions from the committee.
John Hamilton, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 13). Mr. Hamilton has seen firsthand how school-based mental health services change, and even, save lives. The schools has been fortunate to partner with the Central Kansas Mental Health Center and two local therapists that provide case management and therapy during the school day. When a student is in crisis they don't have to wait weeks or travel long distances to get help. HB2236 represents a critical investment in Kansas' future.
Mr. Hamilton responded to questions from the committee.
Zoe Greenemeyer, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 14). The school she works at serves 279 students. Of those, 9 are currently benefiting from the program, but also have 20 students on the waiting list. The program ensures that families have access to mental health services they need without disrupting work schedules or requiring them to take time off for outside appointments. While our teachers and staff care deeply for their students, they are not trained mental health professionals. Without the program, many children would go without the services they need simply because their families are unable to access or afford consistent mental health care.
Ms. Greenemeyer responded to questions from the committee.
Jennifer Kay-Higgins, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 15). Ms.Kay-Higgins provided a personal story about her daughter. Through the MHIT program, her daughter has been able to meet with a counselor every other week during the school day. The program has given her confidence, helped her navigate friendships, and provided her with a sense of security that she carries with her every day.
Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Salina, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 16). Our Catholic schools serve as places of refuge and support for children struggling with mental health challenges. Currently, seven of our schools utilize the MHIT program and we plan to have more apply next year. We see daily the struggles our students face. HB2236 is not just policy; it is a lifeline.
Mr. Andrews responded to questions from the committee.
Leah Fliter, Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy, Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 17). KASB's member affirmed legislative policy position advocates for increased support for the mental health needs of students and staff. KASB applauds and supports the bill's codification of the crucial MHIT program.
Ms. Fliter responded to questions from the committee.
Kristalle Hedrick, CEO, Children’s Alliance of Kansas, provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 18). Over the last decade, families in Kansas have experienced fluctuations in their ability to access mental health services. Reductions in mental health funding have significantly impacted children, particularly those in foster care. Despite efforts, the most recent audit reveals that only 52% of children in foster care receive timely mental health services. Nine states have enacted laws mandating the inclusion of mental health education within school curricula.
Timothy Graham, Director of Government Relations & Legislative Affairs, Kansas National Education Association (KNEA), provided testimony in support of HB2236 (Attachment 19). KNEA has been a vocal advocate for the health, safety and well-being of students. The nation's youth are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Our schools need as many resources as possible to address the mental health challenges affecting our children. HB2236 will strengthen the MHIT program by codifying it into state law. This should also ensure consistent funding as the program expands.
The following provided proponent written only testimony:
Sarah Fertig, Director of Government Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (Attachment 20)
Amy Campbell, on behalf of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition (Attachment 21)
Aaron Dunkel, Vice President of Regulatory and External Affairs, Community Care Network of Kansas (Attachment 22)
Heather Braum, Senior Policy Advisor, Kansas Action for Children (Attachment 23)
The hearing was closed.
