Mental health crisis extends beyond N.O.

Dear Editor,

The Louisiana Association for Behavioral Health (LABH) applauds Gov. Bobby Jindal’s attention to the mental health crisis. We also commend him for establishing a task force to study current services offered in Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes.

Yet it is incumbent upon Gov. Jindal, DHH Secretary Alan Levine and the entire state leadership to recognize that there are behavioral health needs beyond New Orleans. The Executive Order issued by Gov. Jindal and the comments by DHH Secretary Alan Levine focus solely on the New Orleans area.

According to the Report on Louisiana Healthcare Delivery and Financing System prepared by Price, Waterhouse, Coopers, Louisiana – not just the greater New Orleans area – was already suffering from limited ambulatory mental healthcare prior to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The state was stretched to the limit of what it could provide its residents.

As the administration explores solutions to the current Mental Health Crisis, we implore them to work with existing Mental Health Providers who are currently providing quality services. LABH members have the capacity to expand inpatient and outpatient slots TODAY in all communities in the state.

We welcome this opportunity to work with the administration to solve the problem and protect the lives of Louisiana’s most needy citizens.

Tehjan Martin,

Chair, Louisiana Association

for Behavioral Health