Advocates for improved mental health care predict ‘consequences’ of $15 million budget cut • Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — Advocates for improved mental health services in Nebraska predicted dire consequences Thursday from a $15 million cut in spending expected to be included in the state budget.

One in five Nebraskans suffers from some kind of behavioral health issue, they say, with that number rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. And only half of those needing help are getting it, they added.

‘Not the time to cut the budget’

“Now is not the time to cut the budget,” said Tim Heller, chairman of the State Mental Health Advisory Board and parent of a son with a severe and persistent mental illness.

“Instead of care, Nebraska provides incarceration. “Instead of care, we provide homelessness And instead of care, we offer a revolving door for our most vulnerable citizens,” Heller said at a State Capitol press conference.

The event came during an annual lobby day organized by the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations, which represents the state’s regional organizations that provide mental health services for those who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Compromise failed

The gathering came after state lawmakers earlier this week rejected a proposed budget amendment from State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, a mental health provider, to retain $12 million in state aid for behavioral health, and devote $3 million to fill nursing vacancies at the Lincoln Regional Center.

The state budget, which awaits final-round approval next week, calls for transferring the entire $15 million out of the mental health care fund to the Regional Center, where workers have also complained of violent incidents.

While the nursing shortage needs to be addressed, representatives of NABHO said, it shouldn’t be at the expense of mental health services, which they say have been underfunded for years.

Annette Dubas, NABHO’s executive director, said the organization is seeking a discussion with Gov. Jim Pillen about the funding issues, including why some money allocated for behavioral health isn’t going out.

“Let’s find out why,” said Dubas, a former state senator.

More inmates in jail, trips to emergency rooms

Speakers at the press conference outlined several consequences to the budget cut, from forcing more people in crisis into jails and emergency rooms, and putting more pressure on first responders — instead of trained professionals — to deal with those needing mental health help.

Carole Boye, CEO and president of Community Alliance in Omaha, said the cuts translate into 75 fewer people getting access to community support.

Jefferson County Commissioner Gale Pohlman, who chairs the Region V Advisory Committee, said they translate into a $3 million budget cut there, or about 15%. He added that the reduction in funds could mean increased local property taxes in order to handle more people being sent to prison instead of receiving mental health services.

Heller called the state’s funding of behavioral health a “dumpster fire.”

He told the story of Joseph Jones, the man who was shot and killed by police a year ago after entering an Omaha Target store armed with an AR-15 rifle.

Jones, who had a history of schizophrenia and delusions, lay down on a highway seeking to get a run for a week before forcing a “suicide by cop” at the store, Heller said.

“He didn’t get the care he needed,” Heller said, adding that he didn’t want his own son to wind up in a similar situation.