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The problems begin when the de-institutionalized individuals have trouble adjusting to and dealing with their new-found freedoms. Many are on prescribed medications to control their conditions. If, for whatever reason, they stop taking the medicine, their condition may resurface. Others n$ay find the world outside the institution is just too difficult for them to handle. C Then, it’s up to the local social services, emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies to deal with them. C Ms. Gorman’s request for support for the $42 million appropriation for mental health is admirable, and probably Worthy of support. The trouble is, it’s a one-time windfall. That tax surplus was created by changes in the income tax system which will not recur once the formulas are adjusted. C Granted, $42 million is better than nothing, but it’s a band-aid fix for a situation which requires a more permanent solution. It would allow supporters of the resolution to feel that they are making a major commitment in support of a Worthwhile goal, while in reality the result may be more problems than solutions. ’* Mental health and retardation programs need increased financial assistance, but they need it on a continuing basis, iipt in the form of a huge one-time allocation. ? What happens when the $42 million is spent? Although it vtfll allow the Community Services Center’s operations to opntinue, where does the funding for those programs come f^om once the windfall is gone? £ There’s no doubt that the problems of funding for mental Kpalth need to be addressed. The formula for allocation of the available money should probably be revised in light of the changing needs of the mentally ill, and the shifting responsibilities of agencies in dealing with them.
The question needs to be addressed by the General Assembly, and answers need to be reached for mental health fonding on a continuing basis. The de-institutionalized need Setter support services. That probably means increased state funding.
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