The budget for Idaho’s behavioral health division includes funding for a second mental health crisis center.
The Spokesman-Review's Eye on Boise blog reports the Department of Health and Welfare’s budget plan includes $1.7 million for the 24-hour crisis center.
The crisis centers are meant to keep people out of jail or hospital emergency rooms, and instead connect them with appropriate mental health care services.
The budget was supported unanimously in the state Senate and it now goes to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter’s desk for his signature.
Lawmakers were asked to fund three mental health crisis centers last year, but only approved funding for one. It opened late last year in Idaho Falls.
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