LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has approved a plan for additional funding, in the form of direct one-time federal grant funds to the state’s four Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs), so they can work to enhance services and achieve financial sustainability over the next nine months, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today. 

“I am confident the CSUs will implement changes that best reflect the communities they serve, and each plan will be unique in its scope and approach,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We are looking forward to working with them as they optimize behavioral health services by maximizing resources and positioning themselves to succeed as critical community partners in the long-term.” 

For SFY2023, the legislature approved, and Governor Sanders signed into law $3 million in annual CSU funding. While the goal for CSUs is financial self-sufficiency, Governor Sanders previously agreed to supplement additional CSU funding for the first three months of this fiscal year. 

The plan consists of continuing the $90,000 per month funding for the remainder of this state fiscal year by directing approximately $1 million in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant money to these programs. In return, the Governor and the department have asked the CSUs to seek ways to expand reimbursable services that will allow them to sustain operations once this temporary grant funding ends on June 30, 2024. 

Additionally, each CSU has been asked to submit a plan to DHS that enhances their services in ways that align with their existing crisis stabilization mission, emphasizing community collaboration and increased admissions, so they may become financially solvent beyond July 2024.