Mid Plains CEO warns local board of Region 3 behavioral-health cuts and waitlists

Chase Fransel, chief executive officer of Mid Plains Center, briefed the Hall County Board on recent reductions to Region 3 behavioral-health funding driven by a 3% DHHS decrease and other state-level decisions. Fransel said Region 3 has faced roughly a $330,000 contract cut and that the state's handling of unspent funds and an accelerated RFP timeline have limited regions’ ability to respond. He reported that outpatient therapy waitlists locally stood at about 60 people and that crisis- and detox-capacity needs remain high.

Fransel described how Medicaid covers many, but not all, services and said some services are not reimbursed by Medicaid, requiring division behavioral-health dollars to cover startup and support activities. He warned of additional potential cuts (an additional 6% discussed) and urged local leaders to consider using available opioid-settlement or other local funds to help cover immediate shortfalls. Commissioners discussed possible local responses and asked staff to explore options.

Why it matters: Reductions in regional behavioral-health funding can increase wait times for treatment, pressure emergency services and burden local nonprofits and county services.

Next steps: The board asked county staff and Mid Plains representatives to continue talking about possible county assistance and to share Mid Plains budget details with commissioners.