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Residents, providers say Cumberland County mental health funding cuts have closed services and left people vulnerable
Summary
At a public hearing on the Human Services Block Grant, multiple consumers, providers and a school superintendent testified that recent county funding cuts have reduced or eliminated psychiatric rehabilitation, peer support and supported employment services, and they urged restoration or alternative funding.
Dozens of Cumberland County residents, providers and school officials told commissioners July 30 that recent county mental health funding cuts have removed services many called "lifelines."
Deb Helwig read a statement from Jessica M. Paul, executive director of Consumer Satisfaction Services Inc., who wrote that county-funded recovery supports have helped people avoid inpatient care and remain connected to their communities. "Today, 27 individuals have lost access to peer support," Jessica Paul wrote, "47 have lost access to psychiatric rehabilitation, and 70 have lost access to supported employment services." Deb Helwig explicitly identified Jessica Paul as the source when…
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