Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Advocates for Mental Health Rally in Lansing

Advocates for mental health recently rallied in Lansing. A cool pictorial article:

www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=A3&Dato=20100511&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=5110802&Ref=PH

"As Michigan struggles economically, the state is cutting back on funding for mental health services, even as the need increases - more people are suffering from depression and anxiety because of economic woes, (Michael) Vizena (Executive Director of Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards) said.

"With Michigan's economy, there's a number of families and individuals struggling. It's really important that we continue to get this support," he said.

For fiscal year 2010-11, the state Senate has proposed cutting $58 million from the $287 million currently allocated to mental health services, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency. The legislation is pending in the House.

In fiscal year 2008-09, funding was at $327 million. Cuts since then would amount to a 30 percent reduction in funding if the Senate proposal is approved, Vicena said."

www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100512/NEWS01/5120326/Lansing-rally-calls-for-mental-health-funding