Local Clinical Director Recognized for Efforts on State Mental Health Commission

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Huntington pictured in center

The Mental Health Crisis Line Commission was formed after years of deals being proposed to legislature to allow more access to mental health throughout Utah. Local resident Melissa Huntington is one of the members on the commission that proposed House Bill 41, or Hannah’s Bill, which was recently passed by the Utah Senate.

Utah has the fifth highest rate of suicide in the nation. Utah Senators wanted to express their thanks for the lifesaving efforts the commission has provided to the state. Senator Daniel Thatcher spoke on behalf of the senate, expressing his thoughts. “These folks literally work all day for their entire career. We are grateful for the time and dedication from all of these people.”

The goals of the MHLC are to ensure there are no gaps for crisis around the state of Utah while providing services that are respectful for everyone. Huntington’s role on the commission is to serve as a representative for the rural perspective on what should be done.

The crisis line has worked to have resources available for the public 24/7. One of the problems the crisis line is facing is staffing to ensure that someone is available all the time. Through HB 41, it will make is so that all mental health facilities will have the ability to transfer calls from local mental health crisis lines to the statewide mental health crisis line to ensure a timely and effective response to calls.

Another focus for the commission is to find funding for a mobile crisis team around the state. This mobile team would travel to the site of a mental health crisis and assist the situation.

“The team and their work is great, but it is also very costly,” said Huntington.

As a member of the commission, Huntington traveled to the Utah State Capitol Building every week during the summer of 2017.

“It was rough, but it was so important for someone to represent our community,” Huntington said. “There needed to be a realistic voice about what rural communities could do.”

Huntington is the local clinical director for Four Corners Community Behavioral Health.

 

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