Grade: C

Issue Statement:

We need to look carefully at the issue of access in the community to determine whether or not bureaucratic systems interfere with identification, access, and service utilization.

• According to the Boone County Community Needs Assessment, during a one month period, 65% of persons aged 18-24 consumed five or more alcoholic beverages on one or more occasions. Nationally this average is 28%.

• The Mental Health Board of trustees and others are directing thoughtful attention to the mental health needs of our citizens. The Board of trustees has developed a mission statement to clarify its role and visibility in the community, and to increase knowledge and understanding of mental illness through educational programs.

• When persons are jailed, existing mental health problems are compounded. People lose access to care and benefits, both of which are difficult to re-establish once released. Action steps have been taken to re-establish psychiatric services at the Boone County Jail. The Boone County Commission is working with the Boone County Mental Health Board of trustees to remedy the situation. The Boone County Commission set aside $33,000 to finance the plan, but the final estimate totaled $75,800.

• Six months into the 99/2000 fiscal year, the Caring Communities program has spent less than 2 percent of the $173,240 budgeted for mental health services. It remains unclear which other community resources, and to what extent, were tapped during this same time.

• We need to assess the impact upon the community created by the closing of Charter Hospital. Are there any new service gaps?

• The Criminal Justice system has become a provider of mental health services. Is this part of their mission? Have their staff been adequately trained to provide mental health treatment? Has the system been reviewed for appropriateness to evaluate if the structure is equipped to handle treatment.

• To engage people in traditional and non-traditional types of care which fit their needs and promotes social competency.

• To extend education, prevention and early intervention strategies into the community to support mental health.

• A community liaison program has been established by Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center, providing post-discharge psychiatric monitoring to residential care facilities to ensure stabilization of residents and guidance to care staff for patient management.

• The out-patient adult mental health clinic "Heart of Missouri" formerly housed within Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center, has successfully transitioned to become part of the University Hospital and Clinics as University Behavioral Health Services.

• Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center now has a half-time psychologist and a quarter-time LCSW staff housed at the court house to provide evaluation, consultation, and treatment; and to serve as liaison between mental health needs and the Juvenile Court system.

• An ad hoc mental health committee has been established to address issues related to the effective delivery of mental health services from Caring Communities.

• A spirit of cooperation and positive working relations exists between several key agencies who serve those with mental health and addictions problems.

Contacts:

Deborah Beste, Phoenix House, 875-8880.