NOTE: This release was submitted to local media and legislators.

On Wednesday (8/5/2009), the Planning Committee of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties learned that it had received the most severe cuts in its history. The recently passed state budget leaves Allen, Auglaize and Hardin County residents with $1.69 million less, about 34%, in state funding for services than last year and about 44% less state funding since July 2008.

"It is hard to imagine that our Governor, State Representatives and State Senators truly understand the devastating impact that this level of service cuts means to our residents who in this time of economic crisis need our services most," Michael Schoenhofer, Executive Director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board told the committee. "Without these vital services people will die, they will end up in the emergency rooms, they will be in jail, and they will be homeless."

More than 6000 children and adults ranging in age from 3 years old to 70 years old receive Board services in the three counties of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin each year. Prevention programs alone serve an estimated 5000 people annually. All of the Board's programs and services were affected. The largest cuts were reductions in counseling, inpatient care, early-childhood, housing, and employment services.

"At this time the Board is struggling to maintain core services for persons with mental illness and addictions.  We are not equipped to help the increasing number of people seeking services for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, Schoenhofer said. "Our priority has been to work with adults, families and children earlier to keep people in the community, families together, and children at home. Some of our most effective services in the three counties are in jeopardy."

In recent years the Board has developed a 24 hour crisis service with Lutheran Social Services, outreach programs in schools for children and families through Family Resource Centers, housing for women in recovery through Lima UMADAOP, and many other programs that enable people to lead fulfilling and productive lives.  

"These budget cuts passed by our state lawmakers and the Governor will impact our families, our neighbors and our communities in ways that will likely shock everyone in the months ahead," Schoenhofer said.