Baldwin
A bill authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) to create the Community Cares Initiative passed the Senate unanimously on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Senate Bill 10 would establish the Community Cares Initiative, a pilot grant program to help communities improve paramedicine resources to address local mental health needs. This proposal is modeled after the City of Noblesville’s innovative NobleACT program that Mayor Chris Jensen launched in 2020 to strengthen community-based response to mental health and substance abuse challenges.
“Having something like NobleACT at the state level will not only help those in need of assistance, but the first responders receiving an overwhelming number of calls,” Baldwin said. “This bill would encourage public safety and EMS responders to take a proactive approach to help Hoosiers get the assistance they need.”
With a background in the military and law enforcement, Baldwin understands the need for mental health services across the state.
“I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of untreated mental health issues within my community,” Baldwin said. “Every community is different, and this bill would allow each community to provide specific mobile integrated health care program and crisis teams to fulfill their unique needs.”
Mobile integrated health care programs and mobile crisis teams are comprised of peers and behavioral health professionals who are trained and skilled in responding to anyone experiencing mental health related distress. SB 10 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.
To follow this bill and others visit iga.in.gov.