Prairie View, Inc. in Newton was visited by Governor Laura Kelly as part of her “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour today. During the visit, Governor Kelly toured the Adult Outpatient Program, Crisis Services Department, and Behavioral Urgent Care Center. She also met with Prairie View Inc.’s leadership team to discuss the potential impact of Medicaid expansion on behavioral and mental health services.

Governor Kelly highlighted the importance of expanding Medicaid to increase access to healthcare for those in need of comprehensive mental health treatment. She urged the Kansas Legislature to vote in favor of debating and voting on Medicaid expansion when they reconvene on April 26. Expanding Medicaid would provide access to health care for an additional 150,000 Kansans, improve the health care workforce, and reduce costs for everyone.

A report by Mental Health America ranked Kansas 48th in access to mental health care among all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on factors such as treatment accessibility and insurance costs. Prairie View, Inc. President and CEO Marcy Johnson expressed support for Medicaid expansion, highlighting its potential to save lives and provide critical services to more Kansans.

Local legislators representing Harvey County and surrounding areas were invited to attend the tour at Prairie View, Inc., where they saw firsthand how Medicaid expansion could positively impact behavioral and mental health services in their communities. Kansans are encouraged to contact their legislators to advocate for Medicaid expansion so that more people have access to comprehensive mental health treatment when they need it most. Photos from the event are available for media use.