TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has been awarded an additional $10 million in federal funding to enhance the state’s efforts in integrating primary and behavioral health care.

“This additional funding underscores our commitment to breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that every Kansan has access to comprehensive, integrated health services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By fostering collaboration between behavioral health clinics and primary care providers, we are building a stronger, more resilient health care system that meets the needs of all Kansans.” 

This Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care (PIPBHC) funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) builds upon the $10 million received in August 2023 as part of a transformative five-year federal grant initiative aimed at improving whole-person care in Kansas. 

“This funding will enable KDADS to strengthen partnerships between health care providers, expand access to integrated services, and support innovations in whole-person care delivery,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “With this continued investment, Kansas is leading the way in advancing health care systems that prioritize both the physical and behavioral health of its residents.”  

The project focuses on developing behavioral health resources and referral systems within primary care provider networks by leveraging the expertise of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which have a proven track record in delivering behavioral health services to the community. KDADS, in consultation with the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas (ACMHCK), will collaborate with four CCBHCs to implement this initiative.

Each participating CCBHC will partner directly with at least one primary care provider to ensure individuals have seamless access to both behavioral and physical health services. This integrated care model recognizes the critical connection between physical health and behavioral health needs and aims to address them in tandem and manage whole-person care for Kansans.

Partners in this initiative include High Plains Mental Health, Four County, Southeast Kansas, and Pawnee. There are three primary goals through this grant:

1. Develop and implement strong referral protocols to improve the identification of physical care needs within the behavioral health system.
2. Increase access points for individuals seeking care, whether behavioral, physical, dental, or other types of health care.
3. Promote the integration of mental health and overall health care, emphasizing that mental health is an essential component of comprehensive health care.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, bringing mental health and primary care services closer together,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “By integrating these critical care areas, we can address the whole person, improve health outcomes, and reduce patient costs. HPMHC will begin implementing the program immediately, collaborating with local primary care providers to identify integration opportunities. This funding reaffirms our commitment to innovation and collaboration in delivering high-quality care. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

This initiative will directly address critical gaps in integrated care and implement targeted strategies to achieve the following objectives:

• Reduce Barriers to Accessing Care Eliminate obstacles that prevent individuals from obtaining comprehensive physical and behavioral health services by streamlining processes, increasing access points, and prioritizing underserved communities.

• Increase Capacity for Integrated Care Expand the reach and effectiveness of integrated care by fostering collaboration among providers, establishing strong referral networks, and enhancing communication between physical and behavioral health systems.

• Address Suicidal Ideation Through Holistic Support Decrease instances of suicidal ideation by delivering coordinated services that address physical health, behavioral health, and the broader social determinants of health.

• Improve Access to Primary Care Facilitate timely access to primary care services through robust screening processes and referral mechanisms designed to connect individuals with the care they need.

“The PIPBHC grant will play an integral role in helping Pawnee Mental Health Services integrate primary care and behavioral health under one roof,” said Mike Rezkalla, CEO of Pawnee Mental Health Services. “This clinical integration model will allow us to expand our scope, enhance care coordination, and maximize our ability to meet the desired outcomes of the CCBHC model both at the Medicaid level and the federal demonstration goals. We can only see the great potential the PIPBHC grant will introduce to our clients and look forward to a fruitful implementation. A big thank you to our colleagues at KDADS for making this effort possible.”

Each provider organization serves a high need, defined geographic region, offering or coordinating services for individuals facing both physical and behavioral health challenges. These regions encompass Kansas's urban, rural, and frontier areas, reflecting the state’s diverse landscape and creating opportunities to advance integrated care. By fostering these efforts, the aim is to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health and ensure equitable access to comprehensive care.