|
900 W. Main St.,
PO Box 690 Grangeville, ID 83530
Phone: 208.983.1200 |
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
| Mental health services at risk |
|---|
| Tuesday hearing in Lewiston to present proposed statewide changes |
|---|
By ICFP community/schools reporter - Lorie Palmer
"One of my main concerns is our community knows what's going on and those interested have the opportunity to comment," said Dean Allen of Cottonwood. Allen is the chairman for the Regional Mental Health Board.
Allen's concern is to raise public awareness of the potential changes proposed by the state that he feels could threaten mental health services throughout Idaho.
The Behavioral Health Transformation Work Group, whose members were appointed by Governor Butch Otter, will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 31, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Lewiston Community Building on Lewiston's Main Street.
"There will be a presentation about the proposal for privatization of mental health services and how to implement that process," Allen explained.
Allen spelled out that mental health services in rural areas are difficult to obtain, but that throughout the years the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has been able to provide a safety net for those who need professional help.
"There are limited providers available in Idaho, especially in rural areas," Allen said. "And the state has had difficulty in recruiting for these rural services."
Allen is an advocate for preventive mental health care and behavioral change, stating without this, "the state will end up spending even more money through law enforcement services and prisons."
It is estimated, Allen said, that 20 percent of prison beds are housed with those who have mental health issues.
Local hospitals have added telepsychiatry and visiting mental health professionals to their schedules, "but although these are great strides, they are not complete," Allen emphasized.
He admits it is a difficult question to answer for the state -- how to pay for mental health care -- but he's worried about how privatization would effect communities.
"There would be a segment of the population who would not have the help they need without health and welfare services," he said. "I worry our communities may be at risk. This goes deeper than finances, but also for the safety and health of our residents."
Allen said Idaho is already approximately sixth in the nation for number of suicides per year, and is currently the only state without a suicide hot-line. In Idaho this year, there have been 307 suicides, an increase of 22 percent from last year.
"Right now, it's good for people to be aware of the meetings and have their comments and stories so the team can add this to their reports and get all the facts," he said.
For written comments, contact Tracy Bresina, Red Sky Public Relations, 287-2199 (phone) 287-2198 (fax) or by e-mail tracybresina@redskypr.com
|
| Go to top. |
| Click here to Subscribe |
|
|