Latest news with #MikeCrider
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Turn Awareness Into Action': What Indiana is doing for mental health
Mental Health America of Indiana urges readers to "Turn Awareness Into Action" during Mental Health Awareness Month. (Getty Images) Every May, Mental Health America leads the state and nation in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May throughout the United States since 1949. The month is often observed with media, local events, proclamations, and even film screenings. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental wellness and mental illness, to reduce the stigma around the disorder. Individuals oftentimes feel alone with their illness — when in fact, one in four are at lifetime risk. But we need to do more. This year, we are not just raising awareness — we are turning that awareness into action! The national theme for 2025 is: 'Turn Awareness Into Action.' This is a call to go beyond the conversation and take real steps to improve mental well-being — whether that means checking in on a friend, calling your legislator, or reaching out for help yourself. In Indiana, this movement is already underway. Just a few years ago, our state ranked 42nd in the nation for mental health care access and outcomes. Mental Health Advocates, stakeholders, and legislators turned awareness into action in 2023 and made mental health a priority via SEA 1. SB 1 was the work product of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission and authored by Senator Mike Crider. Today, thanks to targeted funding and legislative action, Indiana has climbed to 26th in the national ranking for behavioral health. This improvement has not been by chance, but rather the result of the strategic efforts of the Commission and the Indiana General Assembly. Legislators included a $50 million annual investment in behavioral health in HEA 1001-2023 as well as the building of the behavioral health infrastructure of crisis response, treatment access, and community care in SEA 1. While more is still needed, we have begun to take action. Behavioral Health Commission wraps up two-year study with $50M ask One of the most transformative examples is Indiana's 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline. This program ensures that Hoosiers can speak to trained crisis counselors 24/7 — people who live here and understand the unique needs of our state. Mental Health America of Indiana is proud to operate one of these call centers, and we've seen call volume grow by 184% in the last year alone. And behind every statistic is a story. One man called our 988 line literally with a gun to his head. Because of the assistance from the trained crisis counselor who answered, he put the gun down and agreed to safety planning. 'You've literally saved my life,' he said. He was one — of many. This is the power of action. Every Hoosier can take action! In May 2025, this Mental Health Month, please take the first step: Check your own mental health by taking a free, anonymous screening at It is totally anonymous. Start conversations with those around you — ask, 'How are you, really?' Join the movement by advocating for continued state support of Indiana's mental health system, including funding for 988 and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Wear green in support of Mental Health Month and join us in being 'Seen in Green' this May. Support Mental Health America of Indiana, which provides direct care and statewide advocacy every day. To be part of MHAI, go to: The truth is, every Hoosier has the power to turn awareness into action. Whether it's through a phone call, a conversation, or a policy change — you can help build a mentally healthier Indiana. Please join us to keep moving Indiana forward. Turn your own awareness into action. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local road-funding legislation nabs Senate vote but likely going to conference committee
Sen. Mike Crider, R-Greenfield, speaks from the Senate floor during the 2025 legislative session. (Courtesy Indiana Senate Republicans) A package of funding options for local transportation infrastructure — sparked by an impending fiscal cliff — passed Indiana's Senate on Tuesday. But it will likely be finalized in a conference committee, per a key lawmaker. 'We've coordinated closely with the city of Indianapolis and other major units (of government) to try to get more funding on the landscape to more effectively handle our road needs,' said Sen. Mike Crider, the measure's sponsor. He cited increasing fuel efficiency, inflation, electric vehicles, alternative fuel and more as complicating the financial future for local roads and bridges. Lawmakers seek road-funding changes, hope to avoid fiscal cliff House Bill 1461 would change up the popular Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, raise the speed limit on Interstate 465 and let local governments tap into excess township funds, among numerous other provisions. Crider read aloud a message from the Indiana Township Association that said its members didn't want to be included in the legislation, but that it was 'inevitable' and that the organization is comfortable with the language. 'I think this bill is going to conference committee, and I'm happy to work with them,' Crider added. 'I have not heard anything further today from them, and so, based on that, I'm assuming we're okay. But I can assure the members of the chamber that both (author) Rep. (Jim) Pressel and myself were in constant communication with all the players in this discussion.' He also noted opinions diverge on language allowing the Indiana Department of Transportation to submit a request to the Federal Highway Administration for a waiver to toll lanes on interstate highways. 'There's (been) a lot of concerns expressed, particularly around the tolling aspect,' he told his colleagues. 'I would remind you that the language related to tolling is all based on the state applying for and receiving a waiver from the federal government, which may never happen.' Even if that does occur, he noted the State Budget Committee would have to approve any plans before implementation. The Senate advanced House Bill 1461 on a 38-10 vote. When legislation goes to conference committee, lawmakers typically hammer out a compromise behind closed doors. If a measure survives that process, it'll head back to each chamber for a final vote before going to Gov. Mike Braun. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measure updating Adult Protective Services glides through committee
Sen. Mike Crider, R-Greenfield, talks about his Family and Social Services Administration agency bill in committee on Monday, March 17, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Improvements are on the way for Indiana's Adult Protective Services — the initiative protecting abused, exploited and neglected adults — after a 12-0 committee vote Monday morning. Sen. Mike Crider, R-Greenfield, told committee members that the 'clean-up' bill removes 'antiquated' language and offers the Family and Social Services Administration more flexibility in drawing up contracts for Adult Protective Services. Senate Bill 182 would specify that the entire chunk of Indiana Code dedicated to Adult Protective Services would apply to reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation that are made by phone or online. To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an endangered adult, call Indiana's toll-free hotline at 800-992-6978 or fill out an online form. It would remove 'habitual drunkenness' and 'excessive drug use' from the list of conditions that might render adults incapable of taking care of themselves or their belongings — and at risk of harm. Left in the definition of an 'endangered' adult would be dementia, intellectual disability, mental illness and other incapacities. 'It's not something that requires an investigation of law enforcement as far as, are they being exploited financially or being harmed in some way by another individual? It's more considered self-harm,' Crider told the Capital Chronicle. He said his bill's information-sharing provisions would make sure Hoosiers with substance abuse disorders are 'appropriately referred over to the Division of Mental Health and Addiction,' instead of the Division of Aging. FSSA houses both. Others provisions would introduce a record-keeping minimum, let the Adult Protective Services unit restrict records releases 'to the extent that information … is needed to coordinate or implement services,' and require only an alleged victim's consent for release. Crider said the proposal arose from previous, successful legislation letting FSSA contract out to other entities when county prosecutors didn't want to renew their contracts. 'A few issues came up as FSSA began to try to develop the contract language,' he said. The bill removes language requiring the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council to concur on standards of practice and exceptions that currently allow for an Adult Protective Services unit or staffer to be appointed as the representative or guardian for an endangered adult. It also tweaks how cases are reported to law enforcement and others. Crider said less than 2% of cases are referred for prosecution, and even fewer are prosecuted. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
