092214 DRN HR 1018 Letter of Support

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
1414 N. Cameron Street, Second Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17103-1049
(800) 692-7443 (Voice)
(877) 375-7139 (TDD)
www.drnpa.org
VIA EMAIL
September 22, 2014
Honorable Gene DiGirolamo, Chair
Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee
49 East Wing
P.O. Box 202018
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2018
Honorable Angel Cruz, Democratic Chair
Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee
528E Main Capitol Building
P.O. Box 202180
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2180
RE: House Resolution 1018
Dear Chairperson DiGirolamo and Chairperson Cruz:
The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is the organization
designated pursuant to federal law to protect the rights of and advocate for
Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
DRN urges your support for Representative Thomas Murt’s House
Resolution 1018. This Resolution authorizes the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study and make a report
on the impact of the 2012-2013 ten percent reduction in funding for countymanaged community mental health services and establishes an advisory
committee. Please move House Resolution 1018 out of the Human
Services Committee on September 24 so it can receive full House
consideration this session.
Protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities
Honorable Gene DiGirolamo, Chair
Honorable Angel Cruz, Democratic Chair
RE: House Resolution 1018
September 22, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Base-funded mental health services are critical for promoting recovery and
preventing institutionalization but have experienced a decade of cuts and
budget freezes. This has resulted in reductions in crisis services and
evidence-based practices needed for treatment and recovery. Waiting lists
for services have increased. DRN receives numerous requests for
assistance each year, and our children and adult clients with mental illness
are unable to access necessary community mental health services due to
the funding reductions. Many are on waiting lists, and some have been
institutionalized.
Pennsylvania needs the study in House Resolution 1018 to determine the
effect of funding reductions on access to county-based mental health
services. The study will inform lawmakers and stakeholders whether there
is sufficient access to services and supports for children and adults with
mental illness. This information is critical for formulating an appropriate
budget for 2015-2016.
DRN again requests that House Resolution 1018 be moved out of the
Human Services Committee this week so it can receive full House
consideration this session.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Peri Jude Radecic
Chief Executive Officer
cc:
Melanie Brown, via email
Ashley McCahan, via email
Lynette Perkin, via email

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