Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(Publication Archives)

Friday Fax from Albany

Happy New Year From MHANYS!

Mental Health Action Network Makes Big Noise, Big News: Kicking off the 2002 state legislative session with a bang, a dozen member organizations of the Mental Health Action Network held the first major press event of the year in Albany, calling on the Governor and the state legislature to meet the growing mental health needs of New Yorkers in the 2002-03 state budget. The event focused on Workforce Issues, Medicaid rate increases, restoring the Community Mental Health Reinvestment Act and the broad impact of what mental health funding cuts mean and will lead to down the road.

The January 2nd press conference was collaboratively co-sponsored and/or attended by the Association for Community Living, Citizens' Committee for Children, the Coalition of Voluntary Agencies in Mental Health, Families Together, the Mental Health Association in New York State, the Mental Health Associations of Westchester and of New York City, the Mental Health Empowerment Project, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-NYS, the National Association of Social Workers-NYS, the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, the New York State Association of Family Service Agencies, the New York State Rehabilitation Association, the NYS Coalition for Children's' Mental Health Services, the NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy and United Jewish Appeal/Federation of Jewish Philanthropies.

An outstanding advocate named Kathy Breda, fighting to save her social club in Troy, made a strong case for continued funding, and truly set the tone of the cause and the parameters of what is at stake.

The story was covered by 4 statewide newspaper services, 4 local newspapers, 5 local and 2 statewide television and radio outlets and a national mental health newsletter. A sampling of the news coverage follows in this edition of the Friday Fax from Albany.

Text of MHANYS January 2, 2002, Press Release: With the emotional devastation from the September 11th attacks expected to drive an increase in mental health needs during 2002, mental health advocates are calling on Governor Pataki to propose, and the legislature to support, restored and increased funding as part of the 2002-03 state budget.

“Last year’s abbreviated budget process left gaping holes in existing programs and exacerbated the growing crisis in community mental health care. Those things must be addressed if we are to meet the heightened needs all of our communities,” said Joseph A. Glazer, Esq., President/CEO of the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. (MHANYS).

Glazer said one of the most egregious failures of the 2001 legislative session was the death of the Community Mental Health Reinvestment Act. In the past three decades, non-profit community providers have become the cornerstone of New York's mental health system. "Deinstitutionalization of individuals from state psychiatric facilities sparked the growth of new, innovative treatment in community settings—funded by the landmark Community Reinvestment Act of 1993," remarked Joseph A. Glazer, President/CEO, Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. The law expired on September 30, 2001.

"In 1993, a promise was made that savings from downsizing the state system would stay in the mental health system to enhance services in our communities," Glazer continued. "In 2001, The Governor and both houses of the Legislature proposed extending Reinvestment. These proposals fell through the cracks. Without extending Reinvestment in 2002, thousands of New Yorkers with mental health needs will fall through the cracks as well, " Glazer concluded.

Since its inception, Reinvestment has moved nearly $200 million dollars from empty state psychiatric beds into vibrant, cutting edge community programs. Unfortunately, the state failed to fully fund the law in several of its first years -- money that was never restored. Because the funds flowing from Reinvestment are cumulative, the $9 million lost because of the failure to extend Reinvestment during 2001 brings the total lost since 1994 to nearly $80 million.

Other than the funding boost that supported the 1999 adoption of Involuntary Outpatient Commitment, Reinvestment has provided virtually all of the new funding for community-based mental health services for nearly a decade.

“We all know the need is there. 2002 must be the year that New York State meets the need,” Glazer concluded.

Insurance Industry Interests Regulate House Leadership: As the clock on this year’s Congressional session expired, House of Representatives leadership bowed to the will of the insurance industry lobby, and killed the proposed broad-based mental health parity legislation. The following comes from Ralph Ipson, Vice-President for Governmental Affairs with the National Mental Health Association.

The defeat, on a roll call vote, came after truly powerful pro-parity oratory from a string of speakers including Reps. Patrick Kennedy, David Obey (WI), Nancy Pelosi (CA), Nita Lowey (NY), and Rosa DeLauro (CN), culminating in remarks by Sen. Pete Domenici (who though not a Member of the Conference Committee was in attendance with his wife and with Senator Paul Wellstone). Following the demise of the parity provision (ostensibly based on the notion that to pass this legislation over the objections of authorizing Committee chairmen would be "contrary to House procedures" (in the words of Chairman Ralph Regula), the conferees quickly agreed to a motion to reauthorize the 1996 Mental Health Parity Act for an additional year.

House Republican conferees, two of whom privately acknowledged having had their arms twisted to keep them in line, sat stone-faced at remarks delivered before an audience of reporters and mental health advocates. In that debate in which parity opponents were all but silent, parity was described as an issue "critical to our morality as a society" and "a Christmas present Members should give themselves to heal this country after September 11th" (Obey). Senator Domenici, speaking with extraordinary passion, described parity as "one of the most important social and civil rights issues in this country". He advised Members that although he expected the measure to fail tonight, the Senate has yet to vote on S. 543, the Domenici-Wellstone parity legislation. He vowed that "early next year we (the Senate) will send you that bill." And, directing emotional remarks to House Members, he exclaimed, "I'm begging you to have a vote on it."

Rep. Billy Tauzin, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has already committed to hold a hearing early next year on parity legislation.

The proposal was defeated on a straight party line vote, with the seven Democrats on the Committee supporting the parity measure, and all ten Republicans voting against it.

It is interesting to note that of the ten “no” votes, five were Members of Congress that hail from states that have enacted state parity laws. In the world of governance by insurance industry, some elected representatives, who notably have parity-based coverage for themselves and their families, and come from states where parity is the law of the land, can deny non-discriminatory coverage to the rest of the nation. For their efforts, we nominate them for the 2001 Disingenuous Award. They are: Ernest Istook, Oklahoma; Anne Northrup, Kentucky; Randy Cunningham, California, and Kay Granger and Dick Armey of Texas. Congratulations on being recognized for rising to the height of hypocrisy as our nation enters a time of great need.

Help Support Community Connections: The Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. (MHANYS) is beginning a fund drive for its 2002 newsletter, Community Connections, in an effort to continue serving the mental health community. This newsletter, part of MHANYS anti-discrimination and education effort, is provided free of charge to over 3500 people three times per year. It is supported in part by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and private donations.

MHANYS hopes to further mental health education through the drive as well. Offering two books by national award winning mental health advocates, Ken Steele and Stuart Perry, MHANYS’ “With a little help from our friends” campaign will provide free copies of the books for specific giving levels.

Community Connections is the official newsletter published by MHANYS. It provides perspectives on mental health concerns and their impact on the lives of individuals. It also reports on New York State government happenings. The newsletter also covers events affecting the workplace, schools, and families. The articles are written by MHANYS’ staff, consumers of mental health services, and outside agencies.

The goal of the fund-raiser is to raise $21,000, to underwrite the annual cost of producing the three issues per year. MHANYS will link with its affiliate network, other organizations and corporate sponsorship to raise money. MHANYS is interested in recruiting a major bookseller in order to heighten publicity and supply books as an acknowledgement for donations.

Joseph A. Glazer, President/CEO of MHANYS comments, “Community Connections is a vital part of our education and outreach efforts. We hope that this funding campaign, drawing on the support of our friends and fellow advocates, will help us reach our goal as we continue to provide and improve our newsletter."

Ken Steele is the author of The Day the Voices Stopped. This is a personal account of his life and triumph over schizophrenia. Ken Steele served as Board member and Chair of MHANYS’
Government Affairs Committee before his death in October 2001.

Stuart Perry is the author of Journey for Life, which chronicles Mr. Perry’s 1000 mile walk from Americus, Georgia to Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Perry’s journey was aimed at fighting stigma and discrimination attached to living with depression.

Giving levels are as follows: a $50 donation will receive Stuart Perry’s book, Journey For Life; a $75 donation will receive Ken Steele’s book, The Day The Voices Stopped; a $100 donation will receive both books.

Checks can be made out to “MHANYS,” and sent to Community Connections, c/o MHANYS, 194 Washington Avenue, Suite 415, Albany, NY 12210

For more information, please call Renée Benson, Acting Managing Director, at (518) 434-0439 ext. 14.

Governor And Mrs. George E. Pataki Serve as Honorary Chairs for
Lawmakers Who Cook

The Foundation of Advocacy for Mental Health, Inc. is holding its fourth annual Lawmakers Who Cook 2002 on Monday, February 4th 2002 in the Governor’s Reception Hall, the Executive Chamber, of the New York State Capitol. The event brings together mental health advocates, elected officials and good food for an evening unlike any other Albany event.

Lawmakers Who Cook is a fun event. Its proceeds support a very serious cause—mental health advocacy. Lawmakers from across the state are invited to share and serve their favorite recipes for the enjoyment of the attendees. The preparations will be done under the close guidance of Chef Michael LoPorto of Lo Porto’s Sign of the Tree restaurant.

The Foundation is dedicated to supporting advocacy efforts on behalf of people living with mental illness, mental health awareness, and advocacy for prevention and treatment of mental illness. Through the network of New York State’s Mental Health Associations, the Foundation’s advocacy and education efforts serve tens of thousands of individuals every year, from children and their families to elderly people living alone. Together, MHAs work across the state to ensure that services are available and accessible, and no one is in need.

WHAT: “LAWMAKERS WHO COOK 2002”
WHERE: GOVERNOR’S RECEPTION HALL EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
NEW YORK STATE CAPITOL BUILDING
WHEN: Monday, February 4, 2002 6 – 8 PM
COST: $100 Honorary Level
$75 Event Level
$50 General Admission

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Judith Burgess, Director of Development, (518) 434-0439 ext. 31, or email foundation@mhanys.org

In the News: A sampling of articles from the Mental Health Action Network Press Conference follows.

`The season' for lobbying begins in post-Sept. 11 Albany
By MICHAEL GORMLEY Associated Press Writer January 2, 2002

ALBANY, N.Y. -- "The season" has begun again in Albany.

Highly paid lobbyists, volunteer advocates and individuals in need began
their annual bid to influence lawmakers to fund their causes Wednesday. The
press conferences and demonstrations will be scheduled daily building up to
the April 1 start of the next fiscal year, and continue afterward if
lawmakers, as usual, continue to haggle for months more.

On Wednesday, a dozen advocates seeking greater state funding of programs for
the mentally ill and the workers who serve them kicked off the season. They
attracted television, radio and newspaper reporters from 10 news
organizations crammed into a room in the Legislative Office Building.

"Welcome to what appears to be the beginning of the 2002-03 budget cycle,"
said Joseph Glazer of the Mental Health Association in New York State. "We'll
stay to the bloody end."

The 2002-03 budget cycle is really a continuation of the 2001-02 budget.

The state Legislature in August approved a "baseline budget" designed to get
Gov. George Pataki to negotiate greater spending that all sides sought. But
after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, there was little money left over to
appropriate. Groups which provide services to the mentally ill and other
not-for-profit agencies got a nominal increase in funding in October.

Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon
Silver all agree the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2002, will be a time for
further belt tightening.

"Last year's budget promises were not kept. Now, with the tragedy of Sept.
11, the needs are even greater," said J. David Seay of the National Alliance
for the Mentally Ill in New York State.

The advocates for the mentally ill on Wednesday sought state funding to boost
salaries--many of the jobs pay $16,000 a year or less--to reverse a crisis in
turnover. They also sought increased fees to providers paid by Medicaid and a
reinvestment of unused funding in some areas to increase funds for mental
health programs.

As with many of the groups that will follow them to the capital, the mental
health advocates provided a face for their cause Wednesday.

Kathy Breda, who is being treated for depression and had been diagnosed with
a personality disorder and compulsive behavior, said she spent Tuesday night
nervous and crying as she worried about her debut in front of television
cameras and reporters.

But she said the cause of saving funding for the Fifth Avenue Club, a
psychiatric rehabilitation center she frequents in Troy, gave her strength.
She said a lack of state funding next week will close the facility, located
in the heart of Bruno's legislative district.

"It helps people stay out of hospitals," she said. "A lot of the people who
could come to talk about this today can't because they work now ... I do pray
that other people in the state don't have to face what we face."

Lawmakers know the annual pleas and media exposure make for a tight fiscal
line to walk.

"You have to deliver services to the public," Bruno told radio station WROW
in Albany Wednesday. "That takes money. It takes people."

Bruno, a Republican, said the state is a stronger position than ever to
handle adversity with what has been the largest "rainy day" surplus in state
history over recent years.

Yet, "we not only had a rainy day, we had a hurricane," Bruno said. "Times
are difficult, but we've prepared for these times and we're prepared to
govern in these tough times."

Silver said he'll wait, along with groups like the advocates for the mentally
ill, for the next major steps in the season before he comments on the budget.
Pataki plans his State of the State address Jan. 9 and to release his
executive budget proposal a week later.
***

Funds sought to save mental health system
Advocates say Sept. 11 has pushed state services into a crisis
By ELIZABETH BENJAMIN, Albany Times Union Capitol bureau January 3, 2002

New York's mental health system is stressed out in the aftermath of the Sept.
11 terrorist attacks, advocates warned Wednesday, and failure to boost its
funding could cause a breakdown among agencies that provide counseling and
other services to a growing number of people statewide.

The system was already stretched thin by a steady decrease in state dollars,
staffing shortages and a high employee turnover rate over the past decade,
advocates say. Sept. 11 has pushed it close to a breaking point.

"New York's mental health needs have never been greater,'' said Harvey
Rosenthal, executive director of the New York Association of Psychiatric
Rehabilitation Services. "This is the time to bolster our mental health
services, not gut them.''

Advocates warned of service cutbacks and closings if the state does not
infuse money into the mental health system. In a news conference, they called
on Gov. George Pataki to address this "crisis'' in his State of the State
address and budget proposal on Wednesday.

State Budget Division spokesman Kevin Quinn said the governor "will continue
to be a strong ally and advocate for New Yorkers with mental illness while
keeping in mind the fiscal challenges the state faces.'' Pataki, facing a
sputtering national economy and a potential $9 billion revenue shortfall over
the next two years, has repeatedly warned of budget cuts in his next spending
plan.

The state Office of Mental Health has received about $26 million in federal
funding to provide crisis counseling to meet the recent rise in demand. But
that money is earmarked for specific programs and agencies and cannot be used
to shore up the existing mental health system.

Advocates said they hope the governor repeats some of the proposals he made
last year but the state Legislature did not adopt.

In his 2001-02 budget, Pataki proposed giving nonprofit community mental
health workers an annual 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise for three years,
funded partly with the savings from the closure of several state psychiatric
facilities. He also suggested a 10 percent Medicaid fee increase for
outpatient services.

Under pressure from their constituents, however, lawmakers blocked the
hospital closures, and the governor's proposals were left out of the
bare-bones budget approved by the Legislature in August. The final spending
plan included $40 million less for mental health programs, Rosenthal said.

Lawmakers also failed to extend the 1993 Community Reinvestment Act, which
diverted money saved from eliminating state psychiatric hospital beds to the
community-based mental health system. The act, which expired this fall, had
become almost the sole source of new funding for community mental health
agencies, and brought more than $200 million into the system, according to
Joseph Glazer, executive director of the Mental Health Association of New
York State.

As state hospitals closed since the 1970s, community based mental health
agencies shouldered much of the responsibility for treating mentally ill New
Yorkers. But as a result of being unable to provide cost-of-living salary
increases for already low-paying jobs, agencies are facing an unprecedented
staff turnover.

In 2000, the average turnover rate among direct mental health staff averaged
between 37 percent and 54 percent, according to a statewide survey by the New
York State Council of Community Behavioral Healthcare and the Coalition of
Voluntary Mental Health Agencies. Entry-level staff earn between $16,000 and
$18,000 a year; new social workers with master's degrees may start at $30,000.

"The key to good services is hiring and keeping talented mental health
workers,'' said Gayle Farman, the council's executive director. Mental health
workers, she said, often earn less than their clients, who receive social
security and disability benefits, housing assistance and food stamps.

Already, lack of funds has forced some programs to curtail services or close
altogether. The Fifth Avenue Club in Troy, a 22-year-old psychiatric
rehabilitation center that offers activities and job training for mentally
ill adults, will close next week due to a $140,000 shortfall.

"This is not a new problem; the program has been shrinking, shrinking,
shrinking,'' said Chris Burke, executive director of Unity House, a
state-funded nonprofit agency that runs the club. "We're down to four staff.
In the early 1990s, the club had 12.''

Kathy Breda, a 46-year-old Troy resident who has been using the club's
program for more than 20 years, credited it with helping her overcome
depression. She now works part time at Unity House, putting the clerical
skills she learned at the club to use.

"A lot of people who would have come here today couldn't because they work
now,'' Breda said at Wednesday's news conference.

The club is located in the district of the influential Senate majority
leader, Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick. Spokesman John McArdle said Bruno is aware
of the importance of mental health services and their fiscal difficulties,
but was not hopeful much could be done to keep the club.

"The money's just not there,'' McArdle said.

Until next time, we remain,
Working to ensure available and accessible mental health services for all New Yorkers.