September 11, 2003

Editorial Board, Lubbock Avalanche Journal
c/o Mark E. Nusbaum, Publisher
710 Avenue J
Lubbock, TX 79401

Re: Lubbock Regional MHMR Center

Dear Sirs,

Thank you very much for the positive attention you’ve paid over the past several weeks to the circumstances facing Lubbock Regional MHMR Center.   As you know, the 78th legislative session was unprecedented in terms of the impact on funding for all services in Texas, not the least of which is that faced by human service agencies.  Couple a fairly significant decrease in funding with a mandate to significantly change the way in which services are delivered and there’s no wonder some in our community are confused about what Lubbock Regional MHMR Center is doing and why. 

Attached please find a letter printed in the Houston Chronicle on June 15, 2003, authored by (Guest OpEd) State Representative John E. Davis.  Representative Davis’ letter provides a concise description of the factors considered by lawmakers when mandating changes to the mental health service delivery system in Texas; particularly those changes mandated in House Bill 2292. 

Representative Davis explains “Our [current] public mental health system resembles an acute care model, primarily engaging people with a mental illness only after they fall into a crisis. It treats them through the crisis but does not remain engaged because of rationing of resources, contributing to a revolving door of crisis stabilization, relapse and crisis again.”  (See attached.)  House Bill 2292 mandates resources be made available to those most seriously ill (adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe clinical depression and children with serious emotional illnesses) using disease management practices instead of crisis strategies.  Unfortunately, this means some people will no longer receive any services (i.e. adults with anxiety and/or personality disorders) and some people will receive fewer services.  On the positive side, however, it also means some people will receive a higher level of service than they have before.  The decisions must have been difficult, but the 78th Legislature made them and signed them into law.  Lubbock Regional MHMR Center is now charged with carrying out the directives of our Texas lawmakers.

I believe Representative Davis’ letter would provide the readership of The Lubbock Avalanche Journal an opportunity to hear, firsthand, the rationale behind some of the decisions made this past summer.  In addition, it could provide insight into why Lubbock Regional MHMR Center must alter the way in which services are delivered.  I respectfully request the Lubbock Avalanche Journal print the attached letter, as another positive installment in the series of articles regarding this subject matter.

Thank you for considering this request.  If I can provide you with any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I may be reach by calling (806) 441-1542.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth A. Moore, MBA                          
Public Information Officer

Enclosure X 1

cc:       Randy Sanders, Editor - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
            Danette Castle, CEO - Lubbock Regional MHMR Center