Restore Funding for CHIPPS Initiative
Restore Funding for CHIPPS Initiative
Mental Health America's Advocacy Network apologizes if you are receiving this action alert for the second time. First, the attached document provides phone and fax numbers for House Leadership and the Governor's Office and I wanted to stress the importance of taking time to contact House leadership and the Governor regarding restoration of funding to the CHIPPs initiative included in the Governor's original budget and in the House passed version. In addition to or instead of sending letters, call/fax House leadership and the Governor's office.
Attached is a document that provides two letters and talking points (which are also included in the alert below) as well as the phone/fax numbers for the House leadership and the Governor's office. It is critical that you and your network take action on this immediately.
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RESTORE FUNDING FOR CHIPPS INITIATIVE
The Pennsylvania Senate cut $12.39 million from Mental Health Services appropriation before sending the budget bill back to the House. That $12.39 million cut includes:
a. **$9.45 million to reflect a reduction from 200 to 100 placements in Community and Hospital Integration Program Project (CHIPPs) funding
b. **Funding for state hospital complement (payroll)
We need to advocate with House Members (particularly leadership) and the Governor to restore the full CHIPPs funding in the final budget. Please sign this letter to House Leadership and the Governor. It is critical that they receive hundreds of phone calls, emails and letters telling them that this reduction cannot stand.
Here are some additional talking points regarding CHIPPS/Community Based Services and Supports:
-- In 1999, the Supreme Court's Olmstead v. L.C. decision affirmed the right of people who have disabilities to live in community settings.
-- In July 2003, President Bush's Commission produced a final report, Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America. On page one, it stated the following:
"After a year of study, and after reviewing research and testimony, the Commission finds that recovery from mental illness is now a real possibility. The promise of the New Freedom Initiative---a life in the community for everyone---can be realized."
-- The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been on the leading edge of developing community-based services for all who are affected by mental illness.
-- The Department's CHIPPs initiatives have had an instrumental role in supporting the development of community-based services.
-- Through the CHIPP funding opportunity, 2,539 individuals will have been discharged and 12,387 individuals will have received diversionary services as a result of these discharges through June 30, 2007.
-- Investment in CHIPPs makes considered use of the available funds and represents the implementation of the best evidence-based clinical practice.