Once again we have balanced the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable. But, what will be the true cost to the community? The only place mental health seems to be a priority in this state is in the daily headlines of the newspaper.
In a state where only seven percent of the children identified with a mental health problem are being treated, we continue to read about our broken Juvenile Justice System.
The juvenile justice facilities have become the new dumping ground for our mentally ill children. It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of incarcerated youth have a diagnosable mental disorder.
When you want to close a juvenile facility with a history of violence and move these kids into proper settings where they can receive the services they need, it takes a year of planning. This costs our state over $50,000 per child a year.
However, people living in mental health institutions who have been deemed not suitable for the community are forced to be discharged with nowhere to go because of budget cuts. With the proper community supports, many of these people could live fulfilling lives away from the hospital. But, we have to make the investment in mental health services first.
When the federal government rode in last week in shining armor to rescue healthcare in our state budget, mental health was not deemed worth saving.
Mental health will continue to receive cuts while some of the federal bailout money will be used for lawmakers to add pet programs in their districts.
Remember this when you pass the man downtown having a very animated conversation with no one. It is ironic that while he talks to no one, no one seems to care enough to make him a priority.
But, it is not just the man downtown that needs to be rescued. Everyday men, women and children are in need of help but don’t receive it.
In any given year, one in five people, adults and children, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Nationally, the economy loses an estimated $113 billion on lost productivity and welfare costs because of untreated and mistreated mental illness and substance abuse.
If public health is important enough to appear in our headlines daily, then why isn’t it more of a priority in our budget?
Without adequate mental health treatment, society will pay a greater price through public health crises, increased hospitalizations and lost productivity. Mental health issues are real, common and treatable. Face it, as a community; we will pay sooner or later.