Community Support Services radically cut (again): Providers and clients SUCK WIND

Families of disabled lose assistance
State budget situation prompts demonstration
By Vicky Eckenrode
Staff Writer: Wilmington Star
Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20080621/ARTICLE/806210307/1004

I continue to be amazed at how quickly the LME's can jump on the providers.

Admittedly, you no longer hear about all those money-grubbing providers who render services and expect to be paid. Now, its more subtle, for, you see, we're supposed to 'work together.'

And so, as anticipated, Community Support Services (CSS) are being radically cut across the state.

The Director of Southeastern Center, SEC (http://www.secmh.org/) LME (this DD/MH/SA entity is not noted to be an LME at its online site and so I called to be sure), a Mr. Constantini, stated: "I was surprised of the reaction of putting clients out of services....I had anticipated more of working together to provide services of those clients."

And so how are we supposed to 'work together'?

Is 'working together' all about the providers not getting paid but continuing to offer the same 'Enhanced' CSS services?

Or about how to make the diminishment of services more palatable to the clients?

It would be useful to know just what Mr. Constantini means when he suggests "we work together."

I see that in a memo on the LME's website they are cancelling the group meeting on June 27, 2008, to discuss 'how to work together' and instead will discuss 'individually' with the various Endorsed Provider companies, 'how to cut a deal.'

All the way back to the western part of NC, how are we supposed to 'work together' as associated with Smoky Mountain Center (SMC) LME having all of its therapy services under CSS which is constantly being cut?

Hmmm?

Marsha V. Hammond, PhD: Clinical Licensed Psychologist: hammondmv@netzero.com
NC Mental Health Reform blogspot:
http://madame-defarge.blogspot.com/