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Local advisory council urges investment after years of persistent children's mental‑health gaps
Summary
Clay County’s Children’s Mental Health Local Advisory Council reported 330 survey responses and urged investments to address long‑standing workforce shortages, reimbursement shortfalls and gaps in higher‑level care; the board adopted a Mental Health Month proclamation and approved LAC membership.
The Clay County Board of Commissioners received the annual update from the Children’s Mental Health Local Advisory Council on May 5, which recommended continued investments in workforce, reimbursement, and a stronger continuum of care after reviewing survey results and multi‑year trends.
"The main takeaway is really pretty simple — the same core issues have continued to come up over and over again," said Michelle Mulligan, the newly elected chairperson of the county’s Children’s Mental Health Local Advisory Council, summarizing a multi‑year review (2019–2025) that identified recurring barriers: workforce shortages, low reimbursement rates, limited higher‑level treatment options and access/navigation problems.
Presenters said the council received 330 survey submissions this year and remains focused on connecting families to services and improving access. The council reported two small grant awards this year to support summer programming: $1,500 to Lakeland Mental Health Center for school‑based CTSS and summer programming and $750 for a children’s Rule 79 summer program.
Commissioners asked how reduced police‑led summer programs were affecting services; staff and presenters said Morehead Police curtailed its summer youth program after losing a grant, and the county has provided small discretionary grants to help bridge gaps. Commissioners and presenters also discussed transportation barriers and a decline in volunteer drivers, and several members urged that reimbursement and workforce issues be pursued at the state legislative level.
The board adopted a proclamation designating May 2026 as Mental Health Month and May 5, 2026 as Children’s Mental Health Day in Clay County, and later approved the membership list for the Children’s Mental Health LAC. Presenters said continued county support and regional advocacy will be necessary to address systemic gaps identified in the multi‑year review.
