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7 <br />MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE REPORT <br />describing the mental health/developmental disabilities/substance abuse system wrote notes which offer a <br />broader perspective on issues affecting individuals in particular age groups who require mental health <br />services (Attachment C). <br />The following represent key strengths of the mental health service delivery system in Chapel Hill and <br />environs: <br />1. Chapel Hill and environs are served by a committed provider community representing more <br />resources than are available in many other areas of state (Attachment E); <br />2. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill network of inpatient and outpatient clinics and <br />resources has served as a de facto~~safety net" for many in Orange County (and, of course, the <br />state) who have been unable to gain access to services; <br />3. Local governments offer a variety of services and supports for families/individuals coping with <br />mental health issues, as well as financial resources for some of the service agencies that work <br />with them (Attachments F and G); <br />4. Within the difficult constraints of chaotic state reform efforts, the LME serving Orange County <br />(OPC - http://www.opcareaprogram.com/) strives to maximize services; <br />5. The Orange County Mental Health Association (www.mhaorangeco.ora/) and NAMI Orange <br />County (http://www.nami.orq/MSTemplate.cfm?MicrositeID=284) provide active, engaged <br />leadership in the effort to better educate the public and overcome the stigma associated with <br />mental illness and to advocate for consumer rights and quality services. <br />While we understand that these assets are by no means suffiaent to address the many needs and concerns <br />faced by families and individuals struggling with mental health/developmental disabilities/substance abuse <br />issues, we do want to rewgnize that positive outcomes can be achieved through the existing system of <br />care. (see Attachment H). <br />Unfortunately, such results are often overshadowed by the challenges facing those served by the mental <br />health/developmental disabilities/substance abuse system in Chapel Hill and environs (see Attachment I). In <br />the course of its deliberations, the Task Force identified a number of important challenges, including: <br />A wide range of gaps in service, most notable of which appear to be: <br />a. Transportation for those needing/wishing to access services; <br />b. Adult day programming to provide caregivers with respite and participants with social <br />activities and services; <br />c. After hours and weekend services; <br />d. Post-hospitalization continuing care; <br />e. Services of all types for those aged 18 to 25 and their families; <br />f. Social work services for shelter residents; <br />g. Services for elderly individuals suffering from depression -with or without the co- <br />existence of dementia. <br />