LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says too many people who need mental health care in Louisville unnecessarily end up in hospitals or jails — and it places blame on the state government.
"We are reviewing the report because we hadn't heard from the DOJ in over 11 months," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said one day after the report's release. "An entire General Assembly session went by in that where we even tried to create one of the teams that they suggested in the report."
Beshear pushed for state-funded intervention teams — which was recommended by the report — in the legislative session budget, but it wasn't approved by the General Assembly.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Kentucky State Senate Republicans said "while Louisville was under investigation by the Department of Justice, the General Assembly allocated funding to mobile crisis centers at twice what the governor requested. In contrast, the governor’s office failed to communicate Louisville’s needs to the General Assembly. The General Assembly understands the importance of mental health care and is committed to exploring a solution suitable for all Kentuckians."
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Beshear believes the state's priorities will align with a Department of Justice report calling for top-to-bottom improvements of mental health care in Louisville. The federal findings put responsibility on the Commonwealth for bridging gaps in care.
The report calls for more community-based support for people in a mental health crisis like what's offered at Seven Counties Services. Instead, the report insists thousands end up in hospitals then back on the street.
"For 25 years, we called it the revolving door, which makes it sound better than it is," Dr. Sheila Schuster said, a psychologist with the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition.
She explained that the state budget has money set aside for supportive housing, but requires approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. It would provide a recovery space for people satisfying two crucial needs — a home and medical treatment.
"People go in the hospital and then when they get out, they don't always get connected to the community resources," Schuster said. "And we've known that's a flaw in the system for a long time."
It's why the DOJ said Kentucky's use of psychiatric hospitals is "unnecessary." However, the report did acknowledge Louisville Metro Government's expansion of the deflection program now providing 24-hour emergency mental health services. Responders prioritize community centers over hospitals when connecting people to care.
"The Mayor looks forward to working with leaders in Frankfort to ensure that all Kentuckians facing a mental health crisis can get the care they need," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg's press secretary wrote in a statement. "But ultimately, cities like Louisville need our federal partners to help provide comprehensive resources and investments if we are to make the meaningful progress we all want."
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