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Board proclaims May mental health month, approves $60,000 MOU for Jackson Center amid state funding cuts
Summary
Morgan County commissioners proclaimed May as Mental Health Month and approved a $60,000 MOU with the Jackson Center for Conductive Education; staff said the Health First Indiana program has seen a 76% funding cut and the department plans to reopen RFPs and use carryover funds.
The Morgan County Board of Commissioners on May 5 unanimously proclaimed May as Mental Health Month and approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to award $60,000 to the Jackson Center for Conductive Education for expanded services.
Keeley Wright, speaking for the Morgan County Mental Health Task Force in partnership with the Kendrick Foundation, requested the proclamation and invited county offices to participate in a "Morgan County Goes Green Challenge." "Mental health matters in Morgan County," Wright said, urging community participation in awareness activities.
Health Department staff presented a separate MOU request to fund the Jackson Center's expansion of services to include applied behavior analysis therapy, yoga and additional caregiver mental-health supports. Staff said the $60,000 award will be invoiced quarterly or by deliverable, and that the funding comes from Health First Indiana.
Staff also warned of deep cuts to Health First Indiana funding: "76% cut," the presenter said when commissioners asked about anticipated reductions. Because of these cuts the department plans to reopen its RFP process in 2025, and staff said they will seek to preserve services into 2026 by using carryover dollars where possible.
Discussion vs. decision
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the task force's work and approved both the proclamation and the Jackson Center MOU by voice votes. Discussion included a request for the county and partners to be proactive in managing funding shortfalls and maintaining current services where feasible.
What happens next
The proclamation encourages county offices and residents to take part in awareness events scheduled in May. The Health Department will finalize the MOU and invoice according to deliverables; staff will monitor Health First Indiana funding and report back with any adjustments to the RFP schedule or service funding.
