October 19, 2009
The Honorable Ted Strickland
Governor, State of Ohio
77 South High Street, 30th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Dear Governor Strickland:
The postponement of the scheduled reduction of personal income taxes is the right thing to do. On behalf of the residents of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties these funds must be used to stop any additional cuts to the community mental health and alcohol and drug addiction services programs that make the difference between life and death. Singling out persons with biological brain disorders that result in mental illness or addiction for funding cuts is wrong!
Governor Strickland, mental illnesses and addictions are physical illnesses! Persons with these brain disorders need your help as much as children need education and seniors need to be able to live with dignity. People with brain disorders are Ohioans too!
Since the passage of Am. Sub. H.B. 1 the community mental health and alcohol and drug addiction system has lost over $90 million in funds for local mental health services, and $8 million in funds for alcohol and other drug treatment services. Due to these budget cuts, many Ohioans are unable to access necessary life saving treatment, only to have their conditions worsen. These Ohioans suffering from brain disorders had previously been served in the community mental health and/or alcohol and drug addiction system, and are now left with only the options of receiving needed services in emergency rooms, state psychiatric hospital and/or prison. Without adequately funding the community based system of care; the cost to the State will be a great deal more in total dollars and human life.
Our residents have lost over $2 million of state funds that has resulted in the loss of peer support programs, vocational programs, addiction treatment and intervention services and a reduction of in-school programming that our Lima City Schools have identified as being essential to their success so far. Longer waiting times and reduced access for psychiatry and therapy are among some of the critical services that impact the health and well being of our communities.
Specifically we would ask for the following
ODMH
We request that the $36 million ($20 in 2010 and $16 in 2011) presently in the 635 line be placed in the 505 line, and that the entire amount be allocated to the Boards via the general 505 distribution method with no earmarks.
Additionally, we ask that the $7.35 million per year cut from 408 be replaced in the 408 line to be distributed to Boards.
ODADAS
Ohio’s liquor profits are steadily increasing, yet only 1% ($4.4 million) is allocated to ODADAS. We request that the 1% be raised to 2% for an additional $4.4 million per year to go to ODADAS.
Ohioans with biologically based brain disorders must be given the same opportunity for treatment as persons with any other physical illness. Please work to find additional funding for mental health and addiction services; as Ohioans with a disease of the brain, are counting on you to ensure that they have the necessary life saving healthcare available.
Sincerely,
Michael Schoenhofer
Executive Director
Cc Senator Faber
Representative Huffman
Representative Hite
Representative Adams
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