STATE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COULD BE LOST

Without a $93 million state financial rescue, mental health care and
drug treatment services will be lost for more than 45,000 Illinois
residents by June 30, 2010.

Essentially, the Illinois mental health care and drug treatment system
is in a slow motion bankruptcy because of the failure of the state of
Illinois to adequately fund care.

A survey by the Community Behavioral Health Care Association of
Illinois reveals that drug treatment and mental health care for 16,612
Illinois residents -- 9,625 children -- will be eliminated and care for
another 29,812 Illinois residents -- 16,387 adults and 13, 425 children
- -- will be reduced during the next 12 months.

Mental health and drug treatment advocates are seeking a $93 million
financial rescue from the state to stanch the loss of care.

Illinois political leaders must use available federal government money
or other new state revenues to avert an unfolding humanitarian crisis.

This loss of care can still be avoided if Gov. Pat Quinn, Speaker
Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, House minority
Leader Tom Cross, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno commit
the political will and the money to a rescue of behavioral healthcare
as they finalize the state budget before May 31.

If they fail to stage the $93 million financial rescue, then more than
45,000 Illinois residents -- 25,000 of whom are children -- will lose
behavioral health care.

State leaders must hear from voters to take action.

Frank Anselmo

CEO, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of
Illinois

Springfield