AGENDA #5a
to: Town Council
from: Kevin C. Foy, Mayor
subject: Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force
date: October 15, 2008
The purpose of this Task Force is first to identify the impact on the Chapel Hill community of changes in the mental health service system, second to create awareness and generate discussion about the mental health service system, and third to make recommendations for the future.
In 2001, the North Carolina General Assembly implemented reforms to the State’s mental health service system. The intent of the reform was to transfer patients from hospitals and other state institutions to community programs. However, a combination of the privatization of services and new regulations left many people without services. In addition, hospital admissions continue to rise. Local Management Entities (LMEs) have sometimes been unable to effectively navigate the new regulations and provide adequate care for people in need.
The future of mental health care is uncertain. Over the past seven years mental health programs in counties across North Carolina (including Orange County) have either discontinued services or become independent nonprofit organizations operating with limited resources.
The location of UNC Hospitals, a state hospital, uniquely affects Chapel Hill and Orange County. Patients from around North Carolina who need mental health services may choose UNC Hospitals as their treatment provider. UNC Hospitals can therefore serve as the initial access point to Chapel Hill for some patients. Patients who seek care at UNC may remain in the area upon discharge. Because of the current situation regarding treatment options, discharged individuals can have trouble getting access to ongoing treatment. Local nonprofits attempt to provide services, but often face the obstacles of limited budgets and limited staff.
I am creating a special Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force to discuss, examine, and assess the situation of the mental health care system in Chapel Hill. The charge of the Task Force is: