Mental health needs in Kansas are extensive.

State Senator Jeff Longbine agrees. “We’ve had a lot of work done at Larned and Osawatomie. I think we’re starting to look at is that the proper approach? Quite honestly Larned and Osawatomie because of the size of their communities and the location of their communities have trouble attracting employees and keeping employees. Turnover is huge in both of those facilities and that leads to diminished care.”

Longbine said the proper model and investment level need to be looked at. “One of the things that is starting to bubble up is maybe having more of a regional approach instead of having two hospitals. Maybe we have five hospitals or eight hospitals or clinics that are across the state so that access is better.” Longbine added improving funding to local mental health centers would be a huge help to the people dealt with on the local level.

The state senator indicated that will require a lot of work and money but right now legislators are waiting to see where they are on school finance before they determine how much funding can be invested in mental health. Longbine talked with JCPost.com following a Legislative Coffee sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and USD 475 in Junction City on Saturday.