Thursday, March 18, 2004

Johanns visits to tout mental health reforms (Nebraska)
Story in the Columbus Telegram - "An uproar was heard across the state when Gov. Mike Johanns proposed closing the Norfolk and Hastings regional centers for mental health care. Local professionals from many fields said eliminating these inpatient facilities would spell disaster. Now, it appears the tide of opinion is slowly turning, not only here but across Nebraska, according to the governor..." See also Lawmakers to undertake mental health debate today at the same source - "The key for Johanns and the reform's supporters is developing a network of care in communities across the state to treat people closer to their homes. Doing that would remove the need for the two regional centers, they say, while at the same time provide patients with care that will be less disruptive to their lives. Closing the two regional centers also would make Nebraska eligible for federal Medicaid money it cannot now access..."