Polk County Health Center’s Behavioral Health Initiative Builds New Pathways to Care, Reduces Strain on Local Systems

A multi-year behavioral health initiative funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health is reshaping how Polk County responds to residents experiencing a behavioral health crises. What began as a two-year project has now grown into a broader, community-wide effort—one that local leaders hope will reduce stigma, improve access to services, and prevent people from entering crisis in the first place.