Gov. Linda Lingle has proposed pumping more than $3 million into eight community mental health centers established to meet court-ordered improvements for mental health services. Lingle seeks $3 million
for mental health centers
By Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.com
The proposal was among budget changes she recently sent to the Legislature. She also recommended some cuts to balance the budget without using the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund.
The state Health Department's Adult Mental Health Division would gain more funding for mental health services required under a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Plans to integrate the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe with expanded community mental health services were developed under direction of special master Kevin S.C. Chang and special monitor Kris McLoughlin and approved by the federal court Jan. 23.
Dr. Thomas Hester, adult mental health chief, said there were previously four community mental health centers on the Big Island and Oahu. Now there are four on Oahu, two on the Big Island and one each on Maui and Kauai. They serve about 3,300 people.
That number is expected to climb to 3,600 when a 24-hour phone line to link people with mental health services goes statewide at the end of this month, Hester said. Neighbor islanders will be able to call 800-75-ENTRY toll free. Already operating on Oahu, the access number is 832-3100.
Hester said part of the new state money would be to provide court-required clinical supervisory positions for each center: Forensic and case manager coordinators and a coordinator for integrated dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse) services. A psychiatrist would be designated as a medical director at each center.
Dr. Alan Radke, the division's medical director, will coordinate efforts of some positions. Wayne Law will administer the community mental health system.
Lingle's proposed adjustments include cutting about $300,000 per year from the adult mental health administration and deleting $1.78 million for contracted community services.
However, Hester said through a shift of money, there would actually be an increase of about $6 million for the Hawaii State Hospital and community centers to purchase services from private organizations.
Funds also are proposed to ensure every center meets requirements in five basic areas, he pointed out.
The community mental health plan is expected to be implemented in two years for less money than was previously anticipated because of "much more cost-efficient and focused planned development," Hester said.
Other budget adjustments proposed by Lingle include reduction of about $15.4 million per year for the next two years to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division.
Division Chief Christina Donkervoet said she sees the reduction "as a real accomplishment" because efforts to improve services have reduced both costs and the number of youths needing intensive services.
The division had projected serving 3,000 youth when the budget was drafted, but about half of them have been transferred to the Department of Education for behavioral health services, she said. Her division is serving only 1,500 youth requiring more intensive services, she said.
The administration also requested about $4 million for staffing and operation of the old Guensberg Building, which was reopened for 60 patients at the State Hospital.
Office of the Governor