CARMEL – Putnam will be addressing the county’s mental health needs by creating a $2 million Mental Health Services Fund using funds from the county’s unassigned fund balance.
The action announced by County Executive Kevin Byrne serves as a major step forward towards the county’s ongoing commitment to strengthening mental and behavioral health services countywide.
Byrne said Putnam had made “significant progress over the past several years, but the need remains. This investment ensures Putnam County has both the resources and flexibility needed, free of federal ARPA restrictions, to continue expanding access to care and delivering real support for our residents.”
The initiative stems from the county’s original plan to utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding to contract for a 24/7 stabilization center. After years of effort the project was unable to move forward.
Byrne met with county legislators to identify other opportunities to responsibly repurpose the remaining balance of ARPA funds.
By reallocating the funding to other eligible projects and assigning these funds from the county’s unassigned fund balance, Putnam County will create a dedicated, flexible funding stream for mental health initiatives that is not constrained by convoluted federal restrictions.
Byrne said his office would be working closely with the Department of Mental Health, Social Services, and Youth Bureau to identify the most effective uses of the funding and develop a comprehensive plan for expanding services across Putnam County.
Commissioner of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau Sara Servadio emphasized the impact the funding will have on residents.
“This investment will be a meaningful opportunity to expand and strengthen the continuum of care countywide. There is increased demand for mental health services across all age groups, and this dedicated funding will allow us to strategically grow programs, enhance access, and ensure that individuals and families can get the support they need closer to home,” she said.
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