MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

A Strained Safety Net

By Ralph Provenza

Now that the legislative session has ended and the state has a budget for the coming 2010 fiscal year, I want to commend our representatives and the governor for their efforts to minimize cuts to the system of care for Vermonters with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

I’m pleased that Vermont has not abandoned its neediest citizens—people like "Robert," from Bennington, who was homeless for many years before getting help.

"I left home at 14 and skipped a lot of school because of the bruises I had from my father's beatings," he says. "I started drinking to dull the pain, but eventually my life revolved around alcohol."

UCS helped him out of the cycle homelessness and provided treatment for his mental illness and alcohol abuse disorder. Today Robert lives independently and is working to complete his GED.

The alternative—ignoring those with mental health needs—shortchanges people and puts additional strain on our local economies and on Vermont's welfare systems.

Cutting services results in people being placed in more costly service options, whether it’s the state hospital or nursing homes. Without treatment, others will end up on the street or in jail.

During this budget crisis, we have been working with our representatives in Montpelier to hold the line on cuts to mental health. In cooperation with the other state mental health agencies, we worked actively with Governor Jim Douglas and the health and appropriations committee members to maintain service to the most vulnerable Vermonters.

This past year—under the 2009 budget—the nonprofit agencies that provide mental health care and developmental services in the state received a 4% cut. As a result, UCS eliminated seventeen positions and had to cut staff training, vacation, mileage reimbursements, and other important expense items.

So I’m pleased that things did not get any worse in our 2010 budget but, frankly, I’m worried that our safety net remains seriously strained.

To be sure, UCS continues to make emergency care available as needed regardless of the cuts. And, UCS maintains among the highest quality care standards in the state.

Yet, these cuts have come at the very time we are confronted with significantly increased demand for services. The state of our economy is making life difficult for many people right here in Bennington County, creating stress, anxiety, worry, and uncertainty.

Put simply, decreased funding for mental health and substance abuse services weakens the safety net here in Bennington County where increased demand of up to 30% for some services has resulted in long wait lists and overworked counselors.

Forecasts for coming budget years paint a grim picture of continuing budget difficulties. As we face those hard choices still to come, I hope we will continue to listen to people like Robert and support our most vulnerable citizens.

It’s our most economical choice.