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EOOK hi <br />INDIANRwER ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLYILL <br />Beverly Whiteley, 1906 33rd Avenue, Alliance for the Mentally Ill, requested that $4,000 be <br />added to the budget for their expenses. They run a "drop-in" center in town for those with brain <br />disorders and have about 40 members. The funds provided by the state allow a small amount for the <br />Center to remain open but provide nothing for education which they have been attempting to provide. <br />Most ofthese individuals live on disability payments and have no funds available for self-improvement <br />and education. They have a "peer council" which has made the people feel more comfortable and <br />provided a greater sense of community. If these individuals can stay connected to the center, the <br />suicide rates drop, relapse is prevented, and stability is promoted. She asked the Board to please <br />reconsider making this contribution. <br />Director Baird noted that staff had not recommended funding for this year due to the use of <br />the funds given last year. The County had thought the funding would be used for programs and <br />believed that it had mostly been used for travel and salaries. <br />Commissioner Adams also had believed the funding would be used to make a direct impact <br />on the mentally ill in terms of programs and noted that any travel expenditures would be a red flag <br />to her. <br />Commissioner Tippin stated that he had been to the center and listened to some very <br />convincing testimonials. He felt the benefits being received were very helpful. <br />Commissioner Adams felt she would be happy to try to fund something to be used for a direct <br />impact program for the mentally ill. <br />Mr. Stanhope of the Alliance stated that about 20% of their funds are used for travel while <br />the balance is used for education, classes, and therapy. The travel allowance allows recovering <br />people to go to meetings and to be able to express what is taking place in their lives. This is a very <br />important part of the program and the Alliance has had many requests to incorporate more music <br />therapy. This is, nevertheless, an all -volunteer organization and the funding is extremely important. <br />SEPTEMBER 8, 1999 <br />0 <br />-4- <br />