Overwhelming Majority of Louisiana Voters Want Their Members of Congress to Increase Funding for Mental Health and Substance Use Care via CCBHCs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2026) — An overwhelming majority of Louisiana voters (78%) across the political spectrum support increased investment in mental health and substance use care provided by Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), according to a new poll by Fabrizio Ward.

The findings build on recent national data showing broad public support for the CCBHC model. 

Key Findings From the New Louisiana Poll

“These poll numbers make clear that the people in Louisiana want their members of Congress to support expansion of mental health and substance use care,” said Reyna Taylor, vice president of policy and advocacy at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “When so many issues seem to part along political lines, improving access to mental health and substance use care is one that clearly brings voters together – across the political spectrum. Now is the time for the Louisiana congressional delegation to act on this overwhelming support.”

CCBHCs are clinics that receive flexible funding to support their costs of expanding the scope of mental health and substance use care and serving new people in their community. They tailor their services to meet their community’s individual needs. CCBHCs are required to provide nine core services, including specialized care for veterans and structured collaboration with other community partners to ease pressure on emergency departments and law enforcement.

Six CCBHCs currently operate in Louisiana:

• Acadiana Area Human Services District (Lafayette)
• Capital Area Human Services Department (Baton Rouge region)
• Florida Parishes Human Services Agency (Hammond region)
• Metropolitan Human Services District (New Orleans)
• Crescent Care (New Orleans)
• Start Corporation (Houma)

Prior to last week, each operated as CCBHCs via time-limited grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). On May 28, the Louisiana Department of Health received notification of its selection from SAMHSA that it has been selected as one of 10 new states to participate in a four-year federal CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration program, a proven way to expand access to timely, coordinated and comprehensive mental health and substance use care. This is a tremendous opportunity to grow CCBHCs in the state with more sustainable funding.

“Every American deserves access to effective mental health and addiction treatment,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in the May 28 SAMHSA announcement. “By bringing 10 new states into the CCBHC Demonstration Program, we are expanding coordinated treatment services in communities across the country. This program strengthens behavioral health systems, advances President Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, and helps us Make America Healthy Again.”

Meanwhile, Congress is considering bipartisan legislation — the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, (S.3402 / H.R.8487) — that would expand CCBHCs further nationwide. Making it possible for more communities in Louisiana to establish and sustain a CCBHC will ensure more people can access lifesaving care, including crisis care, when and where they need it. 

Methodology: Fabrizio Ward conducted a survey April 23-28, 2026, of 400 registered voters in Louisiana on behalf of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Click here for full methodology. Tony Fabrizio has served as chief pollster for President Donald Trump since 2016.