The Coalition Contributes to Recent Gaps Analysis of Mental Health, Developmental Disability and Substance Abuse System
Posted: 04-09-2010 : RALEIGH

Raleigh, N -- The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse services has recently released a preliminary version of their Legislative report which summarizes gaps in the system and service priorities. Member organizations of the Coalition, through their involvement in three other coalitions (The Substance Abuse Federation, The Developmental Disability Consortium, and The Coalition for Persons Disabled by Mental Illness) were asked to contribute their perspective on gaps and priorities in the mental health developmental disability and substance abuse service system in North Carolina. The report finds numerous needs for additional services and supports for people in our state.

The Coalition is well aware of gaps in our system; it was formed in 1991 for the purpose of advocating together for increased funding for services and supports for people with mental illness, the disease of addiction, and developmental disabilities. “We knew then and we know now that people throughout our state are going without life saving and life supporting services. Advocating together highlights the needs of specific groups, as well as the needs that are shared by all”, remarks Jennifer Mahan, current Chair of The Coalition. In the report Coalition organizations note a need for housing, evidence based services, better systems of care, supported employment programs, workforce development and better data collection and analysis. Recommendations also included more services and supports for specific populations including services for people who are deaf and have mental illness, substance abuse prevention, a recovery oriented system of care, improving education outcomes and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, transitions for children in foster care and for people with aging family, an increase in crisis services, and better connections to primary care, among the many needs cited in the report.

Given the state of our economy and the recent budget cuts, these gaps have already grown larger. The Coalition is sponsoring a series of town hall meetings across the state to highlight the recent budget cuts, give the public an opportunity to have their say, and update them on how to make a difference on these issues. Upcoming Town Halls will take place in Fayetteville on April 13, Asheville on April 19 and Durham on May 10.

The Coalition is comprised of 40 statewide organizations advocating together to meet the needs of North Carolinians living with the disease of addiction, mental illness and developmental disabilities. For more information on The Coalition and its upcoming Town Hall Meetings go to www.thecoalitionnc.org Information on The Gaps Analysis can be found under “What’s New” at The Division of MHDDSAS website at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/mhddsas/ .