Sen. Jordan Rasmusson Secures $55 Million To Expand Mental Health Treatment Capacity In Minnesota

Sen. Jordan Rasmusson Secures $55 Million To Expand Mental Health Treatment Capacity In Minnesota

FERGUS FALLS, MN – July 31, 2025 — In a significant bipartisan achievement this legislative session, State Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R–Fergus Falls) successfully championed a $55 million investment to expand mental health treatment capacity in Minnesota. The funding will enable the addition of 50 new treatment beds at the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) — the state's largest psychiatric hospital — aimed at easing the burden on county jails and improving access to timely, appropriate care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Sen. Rasmusson

Sen. Rasmusson’s legislation was developed in close collaboration with county officials, law enforcement leaders, and mental health advocates across Greater Minnesota. The initiative is a direct response to growing concerns from local communities about the inadequate number of treatment beds and the resulting strain on law enforcement and public safety systems.

“I often hear from law enforcement and county officials about the growing mental health challenges facing communities in Greater Minnesota,” said Sen. 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.”

The Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center serves individuals who are civilly committed or found incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness. Persistent shortages in available treatment beds have led to lengthy delays in placement — particularly harming individuals in rural areas who are held in jails that are unequipped to manage psychiatric crises.

Local Voices Drive Legislative Momentum

At a recent Public Safety Round Table in Otter Tail County, Rasmusson met with sheriffs, police chiefs, and county attorneys to hear firsthand the impact of the mental health crisis on public safety in Greater Minnesota.

Among those offering strong support was Otter Tail County Attorney Michelle Eldien, who emphasized the connection between limited treatment options and the legal and public safety burdens faced by county governments:

“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. “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.”

Eldien also highlighted the importance of protecting Minnesota’s 48-hour rule, which requires the timely transfer of individuals found mentally incompetent from jail to a treatment facility. Backlogs in the system have led to frequent violations of the rule, underscoring the urgent need for increased bed capacity.

Echoing this urgency, Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons submitted a formal letter of support for Rasmusson’s legislation on behalf of five regional 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,” Fitzgibbons wrote. “This bill is a meaningful step toward reversing that trend.”

A Foundation for Continued Reform

While the $55 million investment marks a major milestone, Sen. Rasmusson and stakeholders across the state recognize that sustained action will be required in future sessions to fully address Minnesota’s mental health treatment shortfall.

The Minnesota Association of County Social Services Administrators and the Minnesota County Attorneys Association have both flagged further priorities, including workforce shortages in behavioral health, expansion of community-based treatment options, and greater investment in rural mental health infrastructure.

Sen. Rasmusson has pledged to continue his advocacy, stating:

“Expanding mental health treatment access not only helps individuals get the care they need but also improves public safety outcomes and eases pressure on local systems. This is just the beginning — and I am committed to keeping up the momentum.”

About AMRTC: The Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, provides inpatient psychiatric treatment to adults with severe mental illness. It plays a critical role in Minnesota’s mental health continuum of care, particularly for individuals committed by court order.

MinneapoliMedia