Gubernatorial Candidate
Bob Orr
http://www.orr2008.com
Bob Orr’s Mental Healthy Policy - March 4, 2008
Mental Health Care in North Carolina is frequently a forgotten health care focus and requires our attention. Our previous attempts at reform have only further strained the availability and quality of services in our local communities.
I understand how important this issue is and the impact it has on many families across the state. As a government and as a community we must be sensitive to patient care and support our doctors, social workers, and families who face the challenges of treating mental illness and substance abuse every day.
One of the first things our next governor must do is bridge the transition from public to private service providers. Previous attempts at reform are failing. It is not a reflection on those providing treatment. Mental health reforms must be based on realistic expectations and we often fail to acknowledge that the reality of our demands for service is part of the reason the system is struggling today. Our ever growing population increases demand for mental health services from both public and private providers. Individuals with severe needs should not be left to fall through the cracks as we try to re-define the system in response to this growth. We must make sure that resources are available to our citizens when crisis situations emerge.
We also need to address the existing shortage of service providers. In 2004, 27 counties were designated mental health professional shortage areas due to an extremely low number of practicing psychiatrists. Reducing shortages is particularly imperative in many of our rural communities. It is not just a matter of training new providers but also of retaining those we already have. Access to talent and expertise is imperative if we are going to help those in need.
Furthermore, our Governor and our legislature must be willing to commit to the success of the reforms they put in place. State leaders risked the viability of mental health reform when they choose to raid the Mental Health Trust Fund. We need real leadership on mental health willing to set priorities and make the tough decisions.
I do not have all the answers. However, I am committed to continuing this conversation over the course of this campaign. I look forward to talking with providers, families and community activists to find solutions and develop proposals to strengthen mental health care in North Carolina.
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