Nebraska struggles to fund mental health services

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker says the state is struggling to offer mental health services as it moves from state-run regional centers to locally run operations.

The state made the decision to switch from institution care to local programs more than a decade ago, The Columbus Telegram reported .

While the state has saved money by closing regional centers, local programs haven’t received enough funding, said Sen. Paul Schumacher. That’s led to a “real deficiency” in mental health services, particularly in rural communities, Schumacher said.

Those in need of mental health services can be s...