Expanding Medicaid crucial to addressing mental health crisis in Kansas, says Governor Kelly during Prairie View tour

In her tour of Prairie View, Inc. in Newton, Governor Laura Kelly emphasized the importance of expanding Medicaid to improve access to comprehensive mental health treatment for Kansans. She urged the Kansas Legislature to vote on Medicaid expansion when they reconvene on April 26. According to a report by Mental Health America, Kansas ranks 48th in access to mental health care among all 50 states and Washington, DC. This ranking is based on factors such as availability of treatment and cost of insurance. During her visit, Governor Kelly toured the Adult Outpatient Program, Crisis Services Department, and Behavioral Urgent Care Center at Prairie View, Inc., and met with its leadership team to discuss the potential impact of Medicaid expansion on behavioral and mental health services.

Governor Kelly emphasized that expanding Medicaid would provide access to health care for an additional 150,000 Kansans, improve the health care workforce and lower costs for everyone. President and CEO of Prairie View, Inc., Marci Johnson voiced her support for expanding Medicaid, noting its potential to save lives and provide critical services to more Kansans. Local legislators representing Harvey County and surrounding areas are invited to attend a tour of Prairie View, Inc., and Kansans are encouraged to contact their legislators to advocate for Medicaid expansion. Photos from the event are available for the media.