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DMHAS proposes staff cuts in prevention but seeks funding for 988 expansion and safety measures; lawmakers ask for details
Summary
DMHAS told the Appropriations subcommittee that the governor's budget reduces prevention staff and some grants while requesting funds to expand 988 text/chat coverage and to fund staff safety measures; lawmakers pressed the agency on how cuts would affect programs and asked for ARPA accounting and OSAC opioid‑settlement details.
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Nancy Navarretta and CFO Cheryl LaVora briefed the Appropriations subcommittee on the department’s budget proposals, which include reductions to some prevention positions and grant lines alongside funding for safety and expanded 988 text/chat coverage.
Prevention cuts
Lawmakers noted a proposed reduction of seven prevention positions described in the budget as a 58 percent drop in prevention staff and a nearly 45 percent cut to that state line. Commissioner Navarretta characterized the cuts as an efficiency measure and said the department would work with the prevention network and state partners to mitigate service impacts, but several legislators asked for a roster of current…
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