Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clay County LAC urges more investment in children's mental‑health workforce; board proclaims May as Mental Health Month
Summary
The Children's Mental Health Local Advisory Council reported persistent workforce shortages, access gaps and need for higher‑level treatment capacity, citing 330 survey responses; the board adopted a proclamation designating May 2026 as Mental Health Month and approved LAC membership and two small summer grants to Lakeland programs.
Presenters from the Children's Mental Health Local Advisory Council told the Clay County Board of Commissioners on May 5 that persistent service gaps — especially workforce shortages and low reimbursement — continue to limit timely access to care for children and adolescents.
"The same core issues have continued to come up over and over again," said Michelle Mulligan, the newly elected chair of the county's Children's LAC and a case manager at Lakeland. The council reported receiving 330 survey responses this year and said recurring themes include workforce retention, insufficient higher‑level residential treatment options and difficulties navigating services.
Michelle Thordel, a social‑services supervisor and the LAC's new secretary‑treasurer, described concrete, near‑term support the council approved: two mini‑grants for Lakeland Mental Health Center — $1,500 for its school‑based CTSS summer program and $750 for a Rule 79 summer program. "Both of these grants are gonna help improve access for children and families to essential mental health programming that they provide in the summer," Thordel said.
Commissioners pressed presenters on the local impact of workforce shortages. Commissioner Campbell noted downstream costs when early intervention is not available, saying children who lack services often appear in child protection or juvenile systems. Thordel agreed, noting private‑practice migration and limited providers willing to accept public insurance as contributors to local gaps.
After the report, the board read and adopted a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Month and May 5 as Children's Mental Health Day in Clay County. Commissioner Campbell moved to adopt the proclamation; the motion passed by voice vote. The board also approved the LAC membership list on a subsequent motion and voice vote.
The LAC recommended continued investment in workforce and reimbursement, expansion of a stronger continuum of care (including regional intensive supports), and improved access/navigation supports such as transportation and clearer entry points for families. Presenters and commissioners noted local collaboration strengths but emphasized the persistent nature of the capacity challenges.
