RX for mental health offered in Missouri
Source: By Joe Mahr and Carolyn Tuft, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH (MO), 08/22/2006
Calling their recommendations "critical" to reforming Missouri's mental health system, a state commission wants to boost caregivers' training, oversight by outsiders, state funding and openness to ensure the safety of thousands of residents receiving care. After an unprecedented, four-month investigation, the Missouri Mental Health Commission released 23 recommendations (.pdf) Tuesday but did not directly address one of the most controversial issues - whether to close a center for mentally retarded residents in north St. Louis County. …. Gov. Matt Blunt has proposed closing the state-run Bellefontaine Habilitation Center. But parents and guardians of Bellefontaine residents have rallied to keep the center open, saying the care for their loved ones is better there.