Kansas Governor Announces $65.4 Million in Awards for Medical and Mental Healthcare

Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has awarded $65.4 million made available through the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and State Finance Council. This round of awards funds programs is designed to close service gaps in the continuum of care by addressing statewide shortages of health and behavioral health services and the state’s increasing demand for a well-trained health care workforce.   

Funds have been allocated to service providers, educational institutions, local units of government and non-profit organizations with proposals in three program areas:    

• Expansion of healthcare facilities: The facility expansion must result in more services being delivered within a defined geographic area or clearly increase service capacity through more licensed bed space, expanded treatment facilities or additional credentialed providers.   
• Expansion of reach of current service providers: Innovative delivery models using technology must be used to expand the reach of current service providers or to reach additional Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries. 
• Expansion of workforce training: Workforce training expansion must increase students being trained to serve in the medical field.