STATE seeks an equitable funding formula built on available, reliable data that leverages population metrics, social determinants of health, poverty/deprivation, and access considerations with a critical emphasis on community co-creation through structured participatory methods. The grant aims to research and design a funding approach that incorporates stakeholder perspectives and addresses the complex needs of mental health provision in diverse Minnesota communities. The overarching objective is to develop a funding model that is fundamentally equitable, transparent, defensible and grounded in reliable, comprehensive data. Key Project Goals: Develop a transparent, defensive funding model based on reliable data; Engage stakeholders through collaborative workgroups; Create a flexible formula that can be updated over time; Ensure equitable distribution of crisis response resources; Three Project Phases: Data gathering and initial framework development; Formula model creation and stakeholder feedback; Implementation, final calculations, and reporting; Critical Formula Attributes: Transparently in allocation rational; Flexibility to adapt to population changes; Minimized disruption to existing services; Equitable distribution across Minnesota communities; Prepared funding formula report to submit to STATE leadership
