Newton, KS - On April 17, 2024, Governor Laura Kelly toured the Adult Outpatient Program, Crisis Services Department, and Behavioral Urgent Care Center at Prairie View, Inc. in Newton. During this stop on her “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour, Governor Kelly spoke with Prairie View Inc.’s leadership team about the impact Medicaid expansion would have on behavioral and mental health services.

“Expanding Medicaid increases access to health care so that our friends, families, and neighbors have options for their comprehensive mental health treatment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansans and our health care workforce cannot wait any longer. It is time for the Kansas Legislature to vote yes on the motion to debate and vote on Medicaid expansion when they reconvene on April 26.”

In a Mental Health America report ranking all 50 states and Washington, D.C. on access to mental health care, Kansas ranked 48th. The rankings were determined based on access to treatment and the accessibility and cost of insurance. Expanding Medicaid would extend health care access to 150,000 more Kansans while bolstering our health care workforce and reducing costs for everyone.

“We believe in the transformative power of Medicaid expansion. It is a beacon of hope potentially saving lives of individuals navigating mental health challenges,” said Marcy Johnson, President and CEO of Prairie View, Inc. “By expanding Medicaid, we can ensure more Kansans have access to these critical services.”

Legislators representing Harvey County and the surrounding areas were invited to attend the tour. Kansans can find contact information to ask their local legislator to support Medicaid expansion here.