MHA's Blog: Chiming In

At a Capitol Hill briefing on Wednesday, February 16, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) will release the results of a nationwide survey showing that states have been forced to cut nearly $2.2 billion from public mental health services — the largest single combined funding reduction in generations. The tragic events in Tucson, Arizona have sparked a “national conversation” about the “adequacy of our mental health system” as President Obama said in his memorial speech.

The NASMHPD briefing is supported by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council), Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness, the National Disability Rights Network and the Mental Health Liaison Group.

WHAT: Briefing on State & Federal Mental Health Spending Cuts
WHEN: Wednesday, February 16, 2011; 8:30 am – 10:30 am (breakfast provided)
WHERE: 485 Russell Senate Office Building

Panelists at the briefing include:

• Kevin Martone, Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and President of NASMHPD
• Craig Knoll, Executive Director, Threshold Services, Silver Spring, Maryland, and National Council member
• Commander Shereece Fleming-Freeman, Central District, City of Detroit Police Department
• U.S. Army Retired Lt. Col. James Walsh, President, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Alabama
• Sheilah Clay, CEO, Neighborhood Service Organization, Detroit, Michigan

Vital services as such as crisis mobile teams for homeless persons, supported employment and public safety programs are all jeopardized by additional budget cuts. As the House Appropriations Committee announced cuts totaling nearly $100 million for mental health and addiction programs just last week, this panel will address the consequences of continuing budget reductions.