🌱 Nursing Shortage Impact + Healthy Kids Day At YMCA

Good morning, Montgomery! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Montgomery Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Thunderstorms. High: 78 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Montgomery today:

1. A shortage of behavioral health nurses is impacting the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s ability to provide services. The department, which operates three hospitals and has several locations throughout the state, said that they are considering shutting down programs because they don’t have the necessary staff. To address the shortage, the Department of Mental Health hired a rapid staffing company last summer, which brought in 150 additional staff members. However, the department reported that it is struggling to hire healthcare workers for a combination of reasons with pay being one. (WAFF 48)
2. The Alabama House here in Montgomery unanimously approved the state’s General Fund Budget on Tuesday. The spending plan is roughly $3 billion and is a record-high proposal for 2024, topping the $2.7 billion plan approved last year. The plan includes increases to several state agencies: the Alabama Department of Public Health would receive a 47 percent increasefor a total of about $112 million under this bill, and law enforcement would receive a 35 percent increase for a total of about $112 million. (CBS 42)
3. Bell Road Family YMCA is set to host Healthy Kids Day, a free community event on Apr. 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. All YMCA locations of Greater Montgomery will be represented, and the event is open to everyone, not just members. There will be a bounce house, food, music, games, prizes, and more. (allevents.in)

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Today in Montgomery:

• Holy Smokes BBQ And Silent Auction At Church of the Ascension (6:00 PM)
• Next To Normal At The Cloverdale Playhouse (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Forest Avenue Academic Magnet third grader Lynn Kim is on her way to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City! She has won multiple local and state competitions and will perform on Jun. 13, 2023, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. (Montgomery Alabama Public Schools - Official Site via Facebook)
• The Armory Learning Arts Center summer schedule has been posted! Add some creative goodness to your life with classes for all ages. Call 334-625-2787 to register. (Armory Learning Arts Center via Facebook)
• The City of Montgomery will be completing paving projects over the new few weeks. Cloverdale Road, Richard Road, Old Hayneville Road, and more will be under construction. See all affected roads here. (City of Montgomery via Instagram)
• It’s National Library Week! The Montgomery City-County Public Library System has 10 branches throughout the county. Stop by and celebrate! (Montgomery County, Alabama via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you soon for your next update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!