Since October, SEIU members of the Mental Health Transformation Committee have been meeting with DMH management and the County CEO’s office to discuss transformation in DMH.
Here’s what we’re doing:
Clients Will Be Notified of Transition — Members brought up concerns that many clients in our clinics have been moved from core services to MHSA services or vice versa without proper notification of the change.
According to Management this is the reality of transformation right now, but management noted that minimally clients should be notified of a change in a letter. Management agreed to look into this to make sure that clients get notified of any changes in their care.
DMH Fund Will Help Close Expected Budget Gap —
Management explained some of the steps being taken to ensure continuity of funding in anticipation of decreasing funds in the next few years. DMH has set aside a “Planning Prudent Reserve Fund” of $120 million. This is intended to help close an expected gap in MHSA funding after 2010.
DMH is not planning any service cuts right now as transformation has allowed the County to capture funding to preserve services. This year, however, may prove to be difficult as the state budget threatens Medi-Cal funds and County general funds continue to decrease.
Two Pathways for Indigent Care — As unfunded patients are directed away from core-funded programs to other programs, members expressed concern about the County’s continued commitment to providing indigent care.
Management stated their plan is to have two pathways for unfunded patients: Crisis Resolution Services (CRS) and Prevention and Early intervention (PEI.) Currently, CRS are open in several service areas; most recently San Fernando Mental Health Center opened a CRS clinic. PEI programs will be opened this year.
What you can do:
- In the next few months members will be asked to contact their legislators in massive actions including phone calls, letter writing, and lobbying in order to preserve mental health funding for Los Angeles County.
- Keep SEIU Local 721 informed on new programs that develop at the worksite regarding transformation and client care. Please contact the union representative at your worksite or worksite organizer Jane Jose at 213-368-8671 for more information.