12/16/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DEC 161991 this program is an unsecured and understaffed office, having an allowance of a fraction of the funds spent last year for medicines. He pointed out that the key in dealing with severely disturbed persons is use of tranquilizers and drugs so they become manageable and then being able to keep -them for a sufficient time to stabilize them and have a discharge planning program. Mr. Ashcraft emphasized the impossibility of handling the number of people they have to deal with in a smaller facility with less staff and pointed out that adequate psychiatric back-up cannot be provided with $36,000 a year. He stated that this is an unreasonable proposal which will result in inadequate treatment and suggested that the Board exercise its right to hear the program presented by the District Mental Health Board. Chairman Lyons agreed there is no equity in having one kind of service in Palm Beach County and inferior service in the other counties. He noted that Sheriff Dobeck also is very disturbed by this situation since his department averages about one person a day who needs the services of this facility. Chairman Lyons reported that he has contacted State Representative Patchett about this situation and also has written two letters to the Governor; the Sheriff is working on this problem through the Sheriff's Association and he also has called the Governor personally. Discussion followed on whether to have a resolution or hear a presentation by the District Board, and Mr. Ashcraft pointed out that they are closing the unit on December 31st. Commissioner Wodtke suggested sending notice to the District Mental Health Board that due to the closing of the local facility on December 31st, we are going to withhold any Baker Act funds, and we request they be here on January 6th to make a presentation as to how they are going to provide these facilities. On Motion.by Commissioner Scurlock, seconded by Commissioner Wodtke, the Board unanimously adopted 24