(KAIR) -- With news earlier this week of Guidance Center Director Keith Rickard expressing the effects of his mental health organization’s shortfalls to Leavenworth County Commissioners, a State Representative shares his reaction.
The Guidance Center serves Leavenworth, Jefferson and Atchison Counties.
Jerry Henry is one of the Representatives in those counties.
The Cummings Democrat has voiced and voted his opposition to the reduction of funding to mental health in recent years.
Rickard told Leavenworth County Commissioners the Guidance Center sees nearly double the patients as a decade ago while the center is down in revenues by 400 thousand dollars in 2012 funding from 2011.
State law requires the center to provide services regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.
Henry says the Guidance Center’s budget can be deceptive, leaving some lawmakers to believe there is more funding than actually exists for covering patients (Play Audio)
Henry says Governor Sam Brownback, following the Newtown Connecticut shooting, suggested that the legislature earmark 10-million dollars for a program to assist individuals with violent tendencies. However, Henry says that will do little to assist with overall mental health funding.. (Audio Continues)
Rickard has said if the projected 10-million dollar cut from community mental health center grants goes unchanged, the center will lose 183 thousand dollars in grant monies.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Hiawatha street repair project approved
LATEST STORIES
Plans set for 2024 Hiawatha Farmers Market
Marysville man sentenced in wife's murder
Wamego man convicted of second fentanyl-related death
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
RELATED STORIES
Johnson and Pawnee Counties Approve Dispatch Agreement
Johnson County NE Attorney Submits Resignation
Former SE Neb Teacher gets Jail Time & Fine
Lt. Gov. Heidemann Resigns, Withdraws as Ricketts Running Mate
Hassebrook Campaigns in SE Nebraska
Neb. Republicans Nominate Ricketts for Governor
Pawnee County Election Results