Health Care

MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

Enhanced case management and therapeutic services for those with mental, behavioral and developmental disabilities are needed. Community service restoration funds legislated in 2001 to expand services to meet the increased demand and fill gaps in community based services are in jeopardy. Safe and affordable housing options for disabled persons, with support services, are critical for the maintenance of optimal wellness. Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals at both the inpatient and outpatient levels are a critical need. Critically needed services include community-based services for substance abusing families, including outpatient, residential, detoxification services and transitional housing and recovery services. Incarceration alternatives for substance abusers, inclusive of these services are needed to prevent recidivism. Data from a recent study of youth involved with the Bridgeport area juvenile indicate that two-third of the youth had school problems, nearly half had mental health problems, one third had experienced trauma, and a quarter reported substance use. However, included in this latest round of proposed budget cuts are a total of $13 million from the 2001 approved Community Mental Health Strategic Investment Fund of $25 million. There are cuts for supportive housing and various community mental health programs. We cannot afford to be short sighted concerning the non-correctable impact on individuals and society from not addressing these critical needs.