To improve access to mental health care, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) led a bipartisan effort this session in partnership with county officials and law enforcement groups. Together, they passed legislation investing $55 million to add 50 treatment beds at the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, the state’s largest psychiatric hospital. The goal is to reduce pressure on jails and ensure people in crisis receive timely, appropriate care.

“I often hear from law enforcement and county officials about the growing mental health challenges facing communities in Greater Minnesota,” said Rasmusson. “This session, we took meaningful steps to expand treatment access so that more people in crisis can get the care they need. I will continue working on solutions that improve outcomes for individuals while supporting public safety.”

At a recent Public Safety Round Table held in Otter Tail County, Rasmusson heard from local sheriffs, police chiefs, and county attorneys about a number of ongoing public safety challenges and policy solutions. One of the issues highlighted was the growing intersection of mental health and public safety in Greater Minnesota.

A key voice in the conversation is Otter Tail County Attorney Michelle Eldien, who strongly advocated for the legislative efforts to address the ongoing challenges faced by county attorneys and law enforcement. 

“I have worked with Senator Rasmusson for the past few years related to our mental health crisis as well as its impact on public safety,” Eldien said. “Specifically, he has been an instrumental champion for addressing mental health capacity increases in the state of Minnesota to alleviate the burden on county attorneys and law enforcement to create placement options for one of our most vulnerable populations. Protecting the 48-hour rule and increasing capacity are priorities for myself and the Minnesota County Attorneys Association and I am extremely thankful for Senator Rasmusson’s leadership and collaboration.”

Additionally, Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons spoke out about the impact the mental health crisis is having on local law enforcement. He recently submitted a letter of support for Sen. Rasmusson’s legislation on behalf of five area sheriffs: Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen, Traverse County Sheriff Trevor Wright, Wilkin County Sheriff Tony Harris, Grant County Sheriff Jon Combs, and himself. 

“As you know, too many people in crisis are languishing in county jails simply due to the lack of available treatment beds, which are settings that are not equipped to meet their needs. This bill is a meaningful step toward reversing that trend,” Fitzgibbons wrote.

While the new funding is an important advance, Rasmusson and local leaders know additional work is needed in future sessions to further improve mental health care and public safety outcomes statewide.