CHAPTER 18

S.P. 17 - L.D. 37

Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human

Services To Seek Federal Funding To Serve Immigrant and

Refugee Populations in Need of Mental Health and Substance

Abuse Treatment

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, immigrants and refugees who have relocated to Maine are at considerable risk for mental illness and substance abuse; and

Whereas, Maine's mental health system lacks the cultural diversity necessary to adequately respond to the needs of Maine's immigrant and refugee communities; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal funding to serve immigrant and refugee populations in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall seek funding from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in order to provide substance abuse and mental health treatment programs for immigrant or refugee persons residing in the State. If a federal grant is received for this purpose, the department may use the funding for development and operation of one or more programs on