The Community Mental Health and Recovery Board (CMHRB) recently held a system-wide meeting to discuss the impact of state budget cuts, what it means for local services and what the future may hold.

The meeting was held on Saturday, October 10 and included 60 participants from CMHRB funded agencies.

During his presentation, CMHRB Board Chair Jesse Marlow stated CMHRB was to go into the new fiscal year with a $1,922,374 deficit. However, after weighing several options, CMHRB decided to use its cash reserves in the amount of $1,017,590 to help lessen the severe impact of the state-imposed cuts.

Marlow noted that despite using the cash reserves there will still be a local deficit of $904,784 which required reductions in funding for CMHRB providers of care in the two-county service area.

"We have been able to lessen the blow by dedicating significant funds from our cash reserves. But this can only be a one-time action and despite the reduction in funding, CMHRB will maintain our commitment to serving priority populations," he said. CMHRB mandated that full funding of treatment programs will occur for children/youth challenged with severe emotional issues and substance abuse and dependency and adults challenged with severe mental illness and substance dependency.

Marlow discussed our biggest challenge is yet to come. "Things are very difficult right now, but not nearly as difficult as they will be next fiscal year," he said. "We're looking at every option to allow for CMHRB and its funded agencies to continue to provide the level of services our community needs." This prompted a call to action and the creation of a formal "innovations group" to work on strategies detailing how the two-county system will address the significant future challenges. This group will be working with consumers and community stakeholders to identify next steps to meet this challenge.