Groups seek reality check on New York's mental health policies and resources

ALBANY, NY (02/27/2013)(readMedia)-- ALBANY – Representatives of CSEA, PEF and the New York State Sheriffs' Association are calling for a reality check on New York state's mental health policies and resources.

In recent years, the state budget has provided inadequate resources for community mental health services and the state Office of Mental Health has been unable to truly coordinate the delivery of services across the state. The current budget proposal perpetuates that irresponsibility, reinvesting only a small portion of promised savings from psychiatric center closures and consolidations, which are not detailed.

There has been considerable political rhetoric in recent months, particularly in the context of gun safety, about ensuring that people with mental challenges get the help they need. But New York's track record of reneging on community reinvestment does not inspire confidence.

State taxpayers pay in other ways: By some estimates, more than half the inmates in county jails and correctional facilities have some form of mental illness. But even in these secure settings, these individuals do not get adequate treatment, if any at all. Many of these individuals wouldn't even be incarcerated if they could get care and treatment in their community.

"Public safety and mental health are inevitably intertwined. The jail population today has a significant percentage of inmates in need of mental health treatment," said Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn, who is the president of the New York State Sheriffs' Association. "Jails should not be a substitute for inpatient mental health care, and should not continue to be the place of last resort for individuals to receive mental health treatment."

"This makes no sense - the Governor insists that mental health providers share info with government officials - but cuts mental health funding at the state level while empowering his commissioner to close facilities at his sole discretion," said Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard.

"As chairman of the Jail Committee for the New York Sate Sheriffs' Association, I know that our local county jails across New York State have been inundated with inmates suffering from mental health issues, drug addiction issues, and physical health issues," said Herkimer County Sheriff Christopher Farber. "As more and more mental health facilities close, those suffering from those related issues are ending up in our facilities driving up the costs for local taxpayers and adding more stress on our staff. It is very difficult for local jails to provide the proper care these individuals need without the financial and clinical support that is lacking."

"I am deeply concerned about the lack of adequate funding for mental health services in New York State," said Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith, the immediate Past President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association and current chairman of its Legislative Committee. "Unfortunately, many people with serious mental health issues are not getting the treatment they need and deserve, which often makes the county sheriff, who operates the jail, the mental health provider of last resort. Sadly, more than a third of the people in our county jail are dealing with mental illness and drug addictions, which are symptoms of the disease. It is much more cost effective and efficient to provide treatment within the community. Regrettably, over the past many years, we have seen both inpatient and outpatient resources receiving inadequate funding. We must turn this around if we are going to truly make New York the Excelsior State again," said Sheriff Smith.

"People who need mental health services should receive those services in a professional, well-trained manner," said Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple.

"We all have a responsibility to take the steps necessary ensure that there is a continuum of services to properly treat the mentally ill, including adequate inpatient services," said PEF President Susan Kent. "We cannot allow the State to relinquish its responsibility to serve the mentally ill in appropriate settings. Jails and prisons should not be the primary intake point to house and treat the mentally ill."

"It is not acceptable that New York continues to seek cuts in mental health programs, facilities and services," said CSEA President Danny Donohue, representing mental health workers in state local, and private sector health care settings. "Without a clear plan - out in the open for review and debate - people with mental health challenges will face more pain and suffering no matter what politicians say they're doing to make things better."

"There is also a need for all those concerned about better mental health care and services to come together and speak with one voice," Donohue said. "We must stop letting a divide and conquer strategy undermine true improvements in state policy and resources."The groups have submitted testimony to the state legislature calling for responsible resources and greater accountability to ensure adequate, integrated mental health resources.

-30-