Idaho Mental Health Advocates Will Receive State Award
Clinic owners Laura Scuri and Ric Boyce will be honored for their role in restoring state-funded mental health programs.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Mental Health
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On October 9, 2026, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Idaho will present the Kathie Garrett Impact Award to Laura Scuri and Ric Boyce. The pair led advocacy efforts that resulted in the Idaho Legislature reversing budget cuts to critical state programs.
Why it matters
The restoration of funding ensures the survival of Assertive Community Treatment and peer support services for individuals with severe mental illness. These programs were previously targeted by budget reductions that were linked to four patient deaths.
A report documented four patient deaths following the cessation of mobile treatment services after state funding cuts. The impact of these programs on patient stability remains the focus of ongoing legislative monitoring.
The players
Laura Scuri
An Idaho-based mental health clinic owner and advocate for state-funded mental health services.
Ric Boyce
A Chubbuck-based mental health clinic owner who led advocacy efforts to restore legislative funding.
Brad Little
The Governor of Idaho who signed legislation restoring funding for critical state mental health programs.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Idaho
A nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness.
The details
Clinic owners Laura Scuri and Ric Boyce secured funding restoration by engaging in direct outreach and providing data to Idaho lawmakers. By bypassing traditional committee testimony in favor of personal relationship-building, they successfully lobbied the legislature to fund Assertive Community Treatment and peer support services. These models provide essential, ongoing care for residents with severe mental health conditions who require consistent, intensive support in their communities.
Timeline
Late 2025: State funding to the service provider Magellan was reduced.
2026 Legislative Session: The Idaho Legislature restored mental health program funding.
October 9, 2026: Scuri and Boyce receive the Kathie Garrett Impact Award.
Health Landscape
The restoration of the Idaho Assertive Community Treatment program highlights a shift in how state mental health services are prioritized during legislative sessions. This funding recovery marks a departure from recent trends of budget reductions that previously impacted patient access to care.
Residents who rely on state-supported mental health services can now expect continued access to Assertive Community Treatment and peer support. It is worth discussing with your doctor how these reinstated resources might supplement your current care plan.
The takeaway
Advocacy efforts by clinic owners successfully reversed critical service cuts in Idaho. Residents are encouraged to monitor state legislative updates regarding mental health funding to ensure their ongoing access to established care programs.
Further reading
For more on how local policies impact patient access, visit Mental Health.
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Do you believe persistent direct advocacy by individuals is an effective way to influence state government?
