The initiative would direct funding to what Brownback called the most at-risk and challenging mental health patients to meet their specific treatment requirements. The program will not target residents who are receiving services through Medicaid.

 

The Republican governor announced the proposal Thursday in Kansas City, Kan., with Shawn Sullivan, secretary of the Department for Aging and Disability Services. Brownback also announced creation of a task force to evaluate the state's current mental health system and recommend improvements.

 

Brownback said in a recent interview with The Associated Press the state should examine whether it's providing sufficient mental health services.