A state senator wants Missouri's Department of Mental Health to do some long-range planning now, so it's ready for some changes society will force on it in the future.
Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, wants lawmakers to require the Mental Health Department to contract with an expert to develop a comprehensive plan to provide all needed services in community settings rather than in state-run institutions.
He's focused on the habilitation centers - in Marshall, Nevada, Higginsville, Southeast (Poplar Bluff and Sikeston), North St. Louis County's Bellefontaine and St. Louis DDTC (four locations, including St. Charles).