Mental health officials say proposed cuts pose security risk

CARSON CITY – Gov. Brian Sandoval leaner budget will mean a cut in the core mental health services, and will lead to increased risks for citizens, witnesses legislative budget subcommittees today.

Clark County District Judge William Voy said budget "will be back on the Constitution" that requires the State to provide treatment for the mentally ill. He characterized Sandoval budget irresponsible and "a significant risk to public safety."

Dr. Harold Cook, administrator of the Division of mental health and developmental services, acknowledged the proposed budget cuts to core clinical services.

Sharing is eliminating 168 full-time positions, of which 96 are free.

Complaints lodged with the Senate Finance and House ways and means Subcommittee on State, cutting $ 2.5 million over the biennium to support triage centers in Las Vegas and Reno. Concern was also expressed about the Elimination of outpatient counseling services.

The Subcommittee Chair, Assemblywoman April Mastroluca, D-Las Vegas, "said the loss of outpatient counseling would mean 1,200 people would not have these services.

Cook said these people can be moved to other applications, which would still have his medication.

The older Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, called the cuts as "a mental health disaster."

Mastroluca complained that the Governor is proposing that the cost of mental health courts to be transferred to counties, which may have money to pay for them.

Cook said mental health courts are valuable, but the State does not have the money to continue to support them, he admitted it would result in an increase in those who have mental health problems in prisons or psychiatric hospitals.

Judge Voy said Clark County is on a pace to commit 23 percent more patients this year and these patients may be held outside the hospital.

"Revolving door will increase," he said, which means that patients will continue re-entering mental health programs.

"There will be a major crisis," he said. The judge suggested that perhaps a little money in the State budget for public safety and corrections could be moved to maintain mental health care.

correction: Judge William Voy surname was originally reported as Boyd. | (February 17, 2011)

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