Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
The Newest Challenge: State Budget Cuts <br /> ♦2010 state budget takes some $75 million from MH/developmental disabilities/ substance <br /> abuse service system — including elimination of community support services <br /> ♦OPC: This translates into $2,250,518 in cuts to the state funds available for services in <br /> Orange, Person, and Chatham Counties - 21.5% of our non-crisis state service funding <br /> *Reductions in Medicaid services will also affect people with these challenges <br /> Provide recommendations regarding the future of mental health care services for <br /> residents of Chapel Hill and Orange County <br /> Advocacy at State Level <br /> *BE AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING to compound an already bad state of affairs - Add <br /> our voices to those of active advocates for change at the state level (e.g., our local legislators; <br /> NAMI; Mental Health Association; other professional organizations). <br /> *Encourage local provider agencies to come together and speak collectively to increase state <br /> legislator/policy leader awareness of the impact of the choices they are making. <br /> Local Action <br /> Where we can make an impact <br /> Service Capacity Increases <br /> *Increase MSW student placements in provider agencies and add clinical supervision for <br /> students and provisionally licensed workers. <br /> *Create a partnership with the Mental Health Association in Orange County to expand the Pro <br /> Bono Counseling Network. <br /> Enhanced local law enforcement/safety personnel awareness of/sensitivity to mental <br /> health issues <br /> *Extend Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) throughout the ranks of local law enforcement and, <br /> ultimately, to other safety personnel. <br /> Strong local government leadership <br /> *Use local government offices (Mayors and Managers) and legislative bodies (Council, <br /> Commissioners, Aldermen) as platforms ("bully pulpits") and vehicles of support for campaigns/ <br /> efforts to proactively increase community awareness of mental health/developmental <br /> disabilities/ substance abuse issues and to reduce associated social stigma. <br /> Specific Ideas <br /> Establish ongoing capacity for providing issue leadership over the longer term. <br /> —Standing committee(s) of Town Council/Commissioners/Aldermen <br />