1982 - 11-29-82 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

WHEREAS, the BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR LEE COUNTY has considered the announced changes and the program of Deinstitutionalization/Inpatient Services; and WHEREAS, adequate facilities, funds and staff are not available in Lee County to meet the needs of the mentally ill; and WHEREAS, the Lee-Harnett Area Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Authority has been informed that they cannot consider Dorothea Dix Hospital as its unit for inpatient psychiatric services; and WHEREAS, the BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR LEE COUNTY does not feel that the concept of Deins titutionalization/ Inpatient Services has been adequately examined; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR LEE COUNTY, AS FOLLOWS: 1. That Dorothea Dix Hospital not be closed. 2. That if any further reduction of the functions of Dorothea Dix Hospital be considered, then (a) such reductions should occur in an orderly and considered fashion so that quality programs may continue and patient care not suffer; (b) adequate funding on a continuing basis and at a mutually agreeable level be in place prior to such reductions; and (c) an adequate local facility, with staff, be provided. 3. That the Lee-Harnett Area Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Authority, be allowed to utilize Dorothea Dix Hospital as its unit to provide psychiatric inpatient services, as defined in the Mental Health Division Standards manual. 4. That the whole concept of Deinstitutionalization be care- fully reconsidered, taking into account input from the various affected local Human Services and Public Safety Agencies. Commissioner Gordon A. Wicker seconded the motion and upon a vote it was unanimously adopted. The Clerk and County Manager were directed to forward copies of the resolution to the present and newly elected representatives and senators from this County, to the members of the Board of the Mental Health Authority, to Dr. Sarah T. Morrow, the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, to Governor James Hunt, to the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and to the Lee County Medical Society.