Vote for Issue 24 to aid mental health

11/4/2012

I ask Lucas County residents to place a high priority on access to mental health and addiction treatment by voting yes on Issue 24, which would benefit the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services board (“Yes on Issue 24,” editorial, Oct. 5).

Treatment services improve public safety, because offenders who receive sustained treatment are seven times less likely to re-offend. Lucas County residents who remain in treatment are 21 times more likely to be employed.

This levy, the board’s first request for new money in 24 years, will restore services that have been reduced or eliminated because of funding cuts from federal, state, and local sources.

The board’s funds support treatment services for those who are uninsured and underinsured, as well as housing, emergency shelter, peer and family supports, and prevention education programs.

The board has improved program oversight and eliminated funding for ineffective programs. We cautiously use any surplus funds, and have reduced our operating budget to cushion the impact of lost funding over the past three years.

Please vote yes on Issue 24, to support mental health and addiction services.

DAVID SCHLAUDECKER

Sylvania Township

Editor’s note: The writer is a trustee of the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services board and chairman of its levy campaign.