Jeffery L. Hayden My Letter to the Editor in the VC Star out today (subscription required): Re: your Aug. 16 article, “Mental health funds go unwatched”: The state auditor’s report documents findings that are both heartbreaking for individuals with serious mental illness and their families, and maddening for voters and taxpayers. In one of the auditor’s major findings, she reports “The state has little current assurance that the funds directed to counties — almost $7.4 billion from fiscal years 2006–07 through 2011–12 — have been used effectively and appropriately.” The report clearly indicates that the blame for Mental Health Services Act’s failure can be spread across the state, from local agencies to the Capitol. Regrettably, this also includes Ventura County’s MHSA programs. Concerns have been raised by families, advocates and professionals locally regarding the apparent lack of evidence-based practices in Ventura’s MHSA programs, the lack of data showing these programs work, as well as the need to implement Laura’s Law. Regrettably, little has changed. If only Laura’s Law were implemented, Sheriff Geoff Dean would not have to secure $35 million to build a new jail facility with an annual operating cost of between $2 million to $3 million to “(treat) inmates with serious mental illness and chronic medical problems requiring them to be housed outside of the general jail population,” as reported in The Star on July 12. Though the auditor’s report is very critical, it’s a better wake-up call than having a tragedy in our community that tells us something needs to change, as has happened recently in our neighboring counties. Now is the time to make significant changes to MHSA funded services in Ventura County. Those who face the challenges of dealing with a serious mental illness deserve this and the taxpayers, now aware of MHSA’s mismanagement, demand it.
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:01:15 +0000