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Show Proposal for Mental Health Center outlined by Five County group A proposal for a Comprehensive Com-prehensive Community MenU.l Health Center (CCMHC) is currently being considered by the steering committee of the Five County Association ol Governments. This proposal is a direct result of the concern fell by the committee members over the limited nature of the mental health services currently provided in the five county area. They have, therefore, authorized the preparation of a staffing grant application to consider the feasibility of such a center lor the five county area. John C. Willie, of St. George, has lccn requested to chair the task force that will prepare this ap plication. The task force's responsibilities will evolve around the mental health needs within the district and how best to satisfy them. The task force is organized so that each county is represented by a study team and team captain. Advantages of a Cl'MIIC Under the existing mental health services delivery system, there is no resident psychiatrist. Any problems that require a psychiatrist, or programs I contingent upon having one, do : not exist. These cases now are I either deferred until a psychiatrist comes in from ouhide, or the patient is sent to Provo or Salt Lake City. A CCMHC CC-MHC would provide the area with a local psychiatrist. Instead of sending our residents away for help, we would have the capabiltiy to treat them here. Other advantages of a CCMHC are: 1. Inpatient care at local hospitals with 24-hour staff coverage. 2. 24-hour emergency service. 3. Partial hospitalization. What about the Cost? The CCMHC would be funded 90 percent by federal dollars and 10 percent by local funds. The federal obligation would be assumed by the state government govern-ment over an eight year period. According to Mr. Willie, the 10 percent of local funds would be no more than are already spent on mental health programs in the area. How You Can Impact on This Proposal Each team has the responsibility respon-sibility of carrying this proposal into their respective counties. They are to determine the mental health needs for their area, and draft specific proposals to meet these needs. When each county team has accomplished this, the task force will combine all the proposals into a staffing grant application for the district. The steering committee will then consider submitting the application for a CCMHC. Several districts throughout the state now have, or have applied for. a CCMHC. This does not automatically mean this district needs, or even wants one. It is imparative that residents of the five county area, not only le informed of the proposed CCMHC. but also assist the task force in recognizing community mental health needs. Any questions, or suggestions, readers should be directed to your county team leader, Ken , Josephson, as soon as possible. |