HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2006-038 Calling for Re-Determination of Statewide Mental Health Reform~~ .5 -~ d~~ - v3~'
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS `~~
Resolution Calling for
Re-Determination of Statewide Mental Health Reform
WHEREAS, Mental Health Reform began in North Carolina in 2001 with the
passage of House Bill 381 and the idea that the mentally ill would begin receiving
care in their home communities rather than in the State's four psychiatric
hospitals; and
WHEREAS, the State convened county commissioners and county managers in
early 2002 to outline the process of systemic change and introduce a "new and
different" partnership for addressing mutual concerns, associated costs and the
expansion of community capacity; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina counties have labored since under the assumption
that true collaboration would arise, and organizational sensitivity, administrative
flexibility, and fiscal support would be extended given the magnitude of change
being wrought throughout the mental health service delivery system; and
WHEREAS, County governments have met with a dizzying array of technical
memoranda, conflicting communiques, restrictive rulings, executive edicts,
inappropriate support for unprecedented cost shifting from the State to the
counties, and troublesome verbiage that further confuse or anger local authorities
and damage abilities to satisfactorily respond; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners are deeply dismayed
by a series of missteps and decisions patently de-stabilizing -not in the best
interest of consumers, their families and advocates, or a fragile network of
community providers;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the. Orange County Board of
Commissioners calls on its legislative delegation to lead the charge for a
comprehensive re-evaluation and re-determination of the course of statewide
Mental Health Reform, and a solid commitment by the State to find the .means to
adequately fund the local administrative infrastructure and build the community
capacity needed to genuinely ensure consumer access and quality care.
This the 18th day of April 2006.
Orange~unty'~r~i of Cb~nmissioners