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Letter by a DRMS Advocate in Clarion Ledger

Letter to the Editor of the Clarion Ledger by Mental Health Advocate, Janie Wheat

Your recent articles about the downsizing of Mississippi State Hospital sound alarming ("Mental stress: Whitfield's plans worry family," March 1; "Doctor decries mental policies," March 8; and "Treatment: At what cost?" March 13) sound alarming!

 

Will sick, helpless or potentially violent patients be turned out onto the street - or languish in jail?

The answer is a resounding "No!"

Not if the State Department of Mental Health uses its financial resources to provide appropriate community services, instead of costly institutional care, for those who need it. Indeed, this it the new standard - not some ruthless tactic to save money by abandoning people in need of treatment!

According to the 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead Decision, it is actually illegal to force people with disabilities to live in institutions if they would be able to live in the community with appropriate services.

The shift from a predominately institutional model of care to a predominately community model of care could provide thousands of Mississippians with disabilities a choice- where and with whom they will live.

Safely. With dignity. And freedom.

Janie F. Wheat

Advocate, MSPAS, Inc.

Jackson

 

If you would like to see the article online, then here is the link:

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200903300100/OPINION02/903300306