Posted by JM Ashby
Much in the same way that clean air saves money on healthcare and better roads save money on fuel, proper mental healthcare services also save money on law enforcement and emergency services. It's unfortunate then that so many states are in a rush to cut funding for mental healthcare services.
(Reuters) - Two-thirds of states cut mental health funding from their general fund budgets over the last two years, according to a report released by a mental illness advocacy group on Wednesday.
Kentucky with 47 percent, Alaska with 35 percent, and South Carolina and Arizona both with 23 percent made the largest percentage cuts to mental health spending in their general fund budgets, which do not include federal Medicaid funding, the study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found.
"Cutting mental health means that costs only get shifted to emergency rooms, schools, police, local courts, jails and prisons," said NAMI executive director Michael Fitzpatrick. "The taxpayer still pays the bill."
Yes, but we can make money off courts, jails, and prisons. There's no profit in treating people who may otherwise avoid serving time for their future misdeeds. And given the current statistics on mental health in America, nearly everyone probably has a friend or family member who is currently receiving help or who needs help.
This is what it means when a politician says they're going to run the state "like a business." Please, think twice before you vote for someone who advocates that type of governing strategy.