Wednesday, January 08, 2003

NASMHPD Research Institute 13th Annual Conference on Services Research and Evaluation: Developing an Evidence-Based Culture to Reform Systems
The conference is February 9-11, and registration can be done online. Please note that "The National Technical Assistance Center at NASMHPD has provided travel funding for consumers who are unable to pay for airfare, hotel costs, and meals to attend the meeting. The conference registration fee for consumers who wish to attend will be waived. The availability of travel funds is limited, and will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. All travel scholarships will be awarded not later than January 16, 2003. Anyone interested should contact Vera Hollen at (703) 739-9333 ext. 116, or email vera.hollen@nasmhpd.org".  
  

Top 10 State Legislative Issues for 2003
Press release from the National Conference of State Legislatures on its forecast of the top 10 state legislative issues for 2003. The release notes that ...."state legislators around the country will have a common dilemma this year. Declining revenues and growing demands will cause each of the 50 states to make tough budget choices as they attempt to close an estimated $17.5 billion budget gap in the next six months and craft a balanced budget for what is expected to be a leaner fiscal year in 2004." See also the 2003 Legislative Sessions and Hot Issues pages.  
  

Durham group offers proposal to reform mental health services (North Carolina)
Herald Sun story - "Durham County got its first glimpse this week into how state-mandated mental health reforms will play out in the area, an outline that sets up a triage system to help decentralize services and predicts that more patients than previously expected would qualify for state-funded treatment."  
  

Warner announces mental health care reforms (Virginia)
Story in the Coalfield Progress - "Gov. Mark Warner will propose a major shift in policy toward community mental health care to improve patient care, build community services and help make Virginia a national leader in moving patients from state institutions back into their communities."  
  

Lake challenges state mental health law (Indiana)
Post-Tribune (Gary IN) story - "The Lake County Council is challenging the constitutionality of a state law that forces county government to pay for committed persons’ mental health care while they wait to get into a state facility."  
  

Rowland rescinds layoffs at mental health program (Connecticut)
Newsday story - "Gov. John G. Rowland on Tuesday announced that he will rescind nearly 75 layoff notices to direct care workers, allowing a Middletown mental health agency to remain open. Instead of closing River Valley Services, the administration plans to issue an equivalent number of layoffs to be spread out throughout state-run local mental health authorities."