Monday, April 05, 2004
Mental health clinic to give up county contracts (New York)Newsday story - "A cash-strapped mental health clinic in Amityville has agreed to void county contracts worth $5.3 million amid a state labor investigation into its finances and allegations that it did not pay some of its employees for as many as five months, officials said yesterday. The clinic, Children and Family Mental Health Services, generated much of its revenue through Suffolk County contracts, and ending them likely would lead to bankruptcy, said county officials and a clinic administrator..."
Mental health patient sues three agencies (Michigan)Citizen-Patriot story - " A patient who has fought the public mental health system in Jackson for two years over management of her money filed a lawsuit Thursday alleging negligence, false imprisonment and other claims. Melanie Morgan, 32, now of Lansing, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court against the LifeWays community mental health agency and two of its contract agencies, Segue and Journeys of Michigan. Morgan's suit seeks unspecified damages in excess of $25,000 for financial loss, emotional distress and 'aggravation of her mental problems.' Punitive damages of $250,000 are also sought. "
Mental Health system faces emergency room crisis (South Carolina)Story in the
Times and Democrat - "The director of the state's mental health agency says the department needs to do more to treat people with both mental illness and substance abuse problems and needs to curb the waiting lists at emergency rooms across the state. Mental Health Department director George Gintoli told a planning group Friday that the agency has made progress during the few years, but a new plan needs to be created to address ongoing concerns and make improvements. One of the most immediate concerns is the increase in mentally ill patients at hospital emergency rooms, due in part to closing the department's State Hospital. ..."
Panelists question mental health changes (Nebraska)Story in
The Independent - "Nebraska's move to more of a community-based mental health system can work -- if the transition is not hurried. But at least two panelists who spoke Saturday morning about the state's proposed mental health reforms said that is a mighty big "if," which must be closely monitored.... Colleen Wuebben, executive director of National Alliance of the Mentally Ill-Nebraska, acknowledged that moving too quickly has caused problems in other states that have made similar transitions to community-based mental health reforms."
Mental health: Illnesses, stigma burden students (Minnesota)St. Cloud Times story - " The stigma that drives many college students away from seeking professional help only adds to the struggle college psychologists face because of budget cuts and a lack of resources on campus. Mental-health professionals on college campuses nationwide are the so-called first line of defense for many students who suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts. Depression often is cited as the leading cause of suicide..."
Mental health in OhioNewark Advocate story on the furor created by a recent Cincinnati Enquirer series on the state's mental health system - " Michael Hogan, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health, acknowledges that some centers are troubled, but says that most improved in the past few years after state inspectors cited them for failing to protect kids. Hogan says the state tries to help facilities change rather than shut them down because Ohio desperately needs homes willing to take in the most difficult kids. Knight says the system is so complex that many families can't figure out who's in charge of watching over their children, and many kids are sent to centers that can't help them."
