State office hopefuls discuss mental health
By: Amy Eagleburger and Devin Rooney, Senior Writers
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: State & National
RALEIGH -Ten candidates running for statewide office took advantage of a mental health forum Monday to share their opinions and hear from activists on the issue.
The system's shortcomings and possible solutions were the focus of the N.C. Mental Health Coalition's forum at the RBC Center.
All of the registered candidates for lieutenant governor were in attendance, and six of the gubernatorial candidates were present. Two Republican candidates, Pat McCrory and Elbie Powers, were absent.
Pat Smathers, who is running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, said the state's situation is severe.
"If anyone tells you we are not facing a mental health crisis, they are not dealing with reality."
In 2001, the N.C. General Assembly passed a sweeping mental health care reform bill that sought to privatize care.
Seven years later, providers have overcharged the state and under-served the majority of mental health care patients, candidates said.
Audience members expressed concern that many people have received minimal care and that some needing long-term treatment were prematurely released to community support services.
N.C. Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, who was the primary sponsor of the reform legislation, has expressed displeasure with its unanticipated fallout.
Candidates charged that lack of detail in the legislation allowed for loopholes that private, community-based organizations manipulated for their benefit, and said those hurt were the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, brain trauma victims and substance abusers.
Every candidate admitted to varying degrees of ignorance on the subject, but all pointed to a quality they feel they have: leadership.
"I never claimed to be a good politician, but I'm a hell of a public manager," said State Treasurer Richard Moore, a Democratic candidate running for the governor nomination.
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, also a Democratic contender, was in office at the time of the reform. She said that she acted to the fullest extent of her powers and that she does not accept credit nor blame for the failed reforms.
North Carolina's mental health system is in flux, with the director of the state's mental health care division set to retire Friday.
All candidates pledged to continue discussion with activists and experts to find a workable solution.
Contact the State & National
Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.
The system's shortcomings and possible solutions were the focus of the N.C. Mental Health Coalition's forum at the RBC Center.
All of the registered candidates for lieutenant governor were in attendance, and six of the gubernatorial candidates were present. Two Republican candidates, Pat McCrory and Elbie Powers, were absent.
Pat Smathers, who is running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, said the state's situation is severe.
"If anyone tells you we are not facing a mental health crisis, they are not dealing with reality."
In 2001, the N.C. General Assembly passed a sweeping mental health care reform bill that sought to privatize care.
Seven years later, providers have overcharged the state and under-served the majority of mental health care patients, candidates said.
Audience members expressed concern that many people have received minimal care and that some needing long-term treatment were prematurely released to community support services.
N.C. Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, who was the primary sponsor of the reform legislation, has expressed displeasure with its unanticipated fallout.
Candidates charged that lack of detail in the legislation allowed for loopholes that private, community-based organizations manipulated for their benefit, and said those hurt were the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, brain trauma victims and substance abusers.
Every candidate admitted to varying degrees of ignorance on the subject, but all pointed to a quality they feel they have: leadership.
"I never claimed to be a good politician, but I'm a hell of a public manager," said State Treasurer Richard Moore, a Democratic candidate running for the governor nomination.
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, also a Democratic contender, was in office at the time of the reform. She said that she acted to the fullest extent of her powers and that she does not accept credit nor blame for the failed reforms.
North Carolina's mental health system is in flux, with the director of the state's mental health care division set to retire Friday.
All candidates pledged to continue discussion with activists and experts to find a workable solution.
Contact the State & National
Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.
Be the first to comment on this story