Advocate for mentally ill says budget cut in retaliation
amilies as Allies Executive Director Joy Hogge said she was told April 27 by a Department of Mental Health official of the funding cut slated to begin July 1, the beginning of the state’s new fiscal year.
Families as Allies is listed as the only family-run statewide organization for parents and caregivers of children with mental health challenges in Mississippi.
Hogge has questioned whether the funding cut was influenced by Families as Allies not taking a public stance this year when there was a proposal in the Legislature to place the Department of Mental Health under the control of the governor instead of a board. That bill did not pass. Also, Hogge believes her program’s cut could also be due to advocating that a $300,000 taxpayers’ funded study of children mental health services should be made public and that her program responded to a request by Gov. Phil Bryant to meet with families that use the services during the spat between DMH and the governor.
“Our goal in anything, including this, is to make sure our mission, that families are partners in their children’s care, continues,” Hogge said Wednesday. ” We are looking at other funding sources and strategic partnerships. We also are grateful for our generous donors and always welcome donations, especially now. ”
Clarion Ledger
5/11/17
Magnolia Tribune
