The University of Arkansas has been awarded $10 million from the Department of Human Services to launch a statewide mental health Crisis Hub and Crisis Continuum.
Dr. Johanna Thomas, director of the U of A’s School of Social Work, will lead the initiative to build a coordinated system for prevention, early intervention, and crisis response for both children and adults.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the program, saying, “Mental health and addiction are statewide issues—so our response has to be statewide too.”
Seven regions will serve as pilot sites, each tailored to local needs. The focus includes infant mental health, school-based services, and treatment for adults, especially pregnant and postpartum women.
Officials say the project will reduce crisis severity and improve outcomes by connecting Arkansans to the right care, at the right time.
