Gov. Butch Otter is calling for $1.5 million next year to pay the remaining costs of starting up new mental health crisis centers in Twin Falls and Boise, joining those already established in Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene. “They are providing significant savings on law enforcement responses and hospital costs, and already have become critical parts of local systems of care,” he said.

In addition, he’s proposing a new $10.3 million adolescent mental health facility be constructed in the Treasure Valley. That would replace the current unit for adolescents at State Hospital South, which will be remodeled into a secure adult mental health facility.

Otter also is backing his state Department of Health & Welfare’s proposal for an $11.2 million new program next year to cover behavioral health costs for felony probationers and parolees; the proposal would cover more than 7,000 offenders and is recommended under the state’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative. If Idaho had expanded Medicaid, those services already would have been provided to those newly released from Idaho’s prison; but instead, those offenders, who receive treatment while incarcerated, get no treatment once they’re back in the community.

The governor also is calling for spending $4.86 million next year and adding 18 state employees as part of the requirements to improve the state’s mental health system under the Jeff D lawsuit.