During the past few months, there have been attacks in letters
to the press regarding service received at the County Mental Health
Department. I would like to set the record straight and inform the
community as to the role and responsibilities of the Mental Health
Department.
During the past few months, there have been attacks in letters to the press regarding service received at the County Mental Health Department. I would like to set the record straight and inform the community as to the role and responsibilities of the Mental Health Department.
Many years ago, California set up the County Mental Health departments to fill the gap of serving the severely, but not dangerously, mentally ill when many of the state mental hospitals were closed. State mental hospitals continue to exist now only for the seriously and dangerously mentally ill. It was determined at that time that it would be beneficial to allow those patients who were capable, live in a less restrictive environment rather than keep them needlessly confined to a state hospital and provide support services for them within the community. It was also determined that it would be more cost effective to serve these people within the community. Monies previously spent on hospitalizations were intended to support programs and services for the County Mental Health departments. Unfortunately, only a portion of that money became earmarked for maintaining the County’s Mental Health departments. For a complete understanding, go to the Web site, www.psychlaws.org/stateactivity/California/LPSed3.htm for ‘State of Neglect’ and www.pscyhlaws.org/stateactivity/California.htm for ‘Laura’s Law.’
Currently, the County Mental Health departments in California are set up to serve MediCal clients, those persons receiving public assistance, with both serious and less severe mental illnesses. Anyone, though, may receive mental health services from the department but cannot expect it to be free. If you are not currently receiving MediCal, you must be willing to show proof of income and be charged a fee according to your income, or you may apply to qualify by the state. All of us are aware of the budget crises in our state, how it is impacting our government services and this includes the County Mental Health departments. They have been receiving inadequate funds for services ever since the closing of the state hospitals.
As a member of the San Benito County Mental Health Board for the past 10 years, I am familiar with the challenges and rewards that come from working with and serving those in need of their services, be it children, adolescents or adults. Mental illness in many communities continues to carry with it a stigma and prejudice. One must remember that the head is just as much a part of the body as is the kidney, heart or any other part of the body. A person needing intervention for a medial condition will often tell others of their problem. Persons needing intervention for a mental condition will usually shy away from admitting the problem to others knowing the stigma it carries.
May will be Mental Health Month. Make a point to attend one of the department’s functions, be it a lecture or open house at the facility and learn more about how the director, Alan Yamamoto, and the entire staff of psychiatrists, clinicians and office personnel are helping to bring stability to the often silent and seemingly invisible people of our county. It is time that our community gives the deserved recognition and appreciation to the many people who staff this department.
Gloria Lee,
Hollister
