1 Pilot Program to Provide Mental Health Drop-in Center Services.

I. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall establish a pilot program to provide mental health drop-in center services. The mental health drop-in center services shall provide a peer-focused recovery model during daytime hours through a community-based, therapeutic, less restrictive alternative to hospitalization for acute psychiatric needs. The program shall assist clients in need of voluntary, short-term, non-crisis services that focus on recovery and wellness. Clients may refer themselves, be brought to the center by law enforcement, be brought to the center by family members, or be referred by an emergency department.

II. The pilot program shall be located in an area with an identified need for increased access to mental health services. Funds to support the pilot program shall be distributed by the department of health and human services.

III. The pilot program shall begin on January 1, 2023, and conclude July 1, 2025.

IV. By December 1, 2023, the commissioner shall submit a preliminary report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature. The preliminary report shall include a survey of peer mental health programs that are operating in the state, including the location, type of services offered, and number of clients served. By December 1, 2024, the commissioner shall report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the results of the pilot program. The report shall include information about the number of clients served, the needs of the clients, the method of referral for the clients, and recommendations on how to expand the program statewide, including any recommendations to account for different needs in urban and rural areas.

2 Pilot Program; Funding; American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The department of health and human services is authorized to use funds received by the state of New Hampshire pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, for the purpose of funding the pilot program established in section 1 of this act.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Pilot Program to Provide Mental Health Drop-in Center Services.

I. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall establish a pilot program to provide mental health drop-in center services. The mental health drop-in center services shall provide a peer-focused recovery model during daytime hours through a community-based, therapeutic, less restrictive alternative to hospitalization for acute psychiatric needs. The program shall assist clients in need of voluntary, short-term, non-crisis services that focus on recovery and wellness. Clients may refer themselves, be brought to the center by law enforcement, be brought to the center by family members, or be referred by an emergency department.

II. The pilot program shall be located in an area with an identified need for increased access to mental health services. Funds to support the pilot program shall be distributed by the department of health and human services.

III. The pilot program shall begin on January 1, 2023, and conclude July 1, 2025.

IV. By December 1, 2023, the commissioner shall submit a preliminary report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature. The preliminary report shall include a survey of peer mental health programs that are operating in the state, including the location, type of services offered, and number of clients served. By December 1, 2024, the commissioner shall report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the results of the pilot program. The report shall include information about the number of clients served, the needs of the clients, the method of referral for the clients, and recommendations on how to expand the program statewide, including any recommendations to account for different needs in urban and rural areas.

2 Pilot Program; Funding; American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The department of health and human services is authorized to use funds received by the state of New Hampshire pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, for the purpose of funding the pilot program established in section 1 of this act.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.