people and the entire community to take effective action in development of a unique mental health program. I know there are many other such programs throughout the United States in early development stages which will be significantly impaired if this act is not continued. I urge the support of your committee in making a favorable report for extension of the community mental health center construction and staffing act. Cordially, Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, DEAR CONGRESSMAN STAGGERS: It is my understanding that your Committee will be considering H.R. 6431 concerning the extension of authorization for construction and staffing of community mental health centers. Although there have been some problems in the implementation of this program, it is my opinion that it is a most valuable one and an essential one to extend. In Wisconsin, local communities have long had considerable financial responsibility in the development of mental health services. We have a great deal of investment in the continuation of the development of such services. The state agencies of Wisconsin having responsibility in this matter are working aggressively to assist communities to use the provisions of this legislation, and it is our opinion this program will develop very soundly during the next five years and will result in mental health services being available to people in their local communities on a much more uniform basis. Sincerely, Congressman HARLEY STAGGERS, L. J. GANSER, M.D., Director, Division of Mental Hygiene. UTAH STATE HOSPITAL, Provo, Utah, March 31, 1967. Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, DEAR CONGRESSMAN STAGGERS: It is my understanding that hearings will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4th and 5th, by the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, on the Administration's proposal to extend for five years authorization for construction and staffing of Community Mental Health Centers (H.R. 6431). Many states, particularly in the intermountain region, have difficulties in having enough time to plan and to finance Comprehensive Centers. The State of Utah has had particular difficulties in this area. At the present time we do have one Comprehensive Mental Health Center in operation and this was accomplished only through the staffing and construction grant. Further development of any Comprehensive Mental Health Centers or mental retardation centers within the State of Utah will be contingent upon an extension of the legislation. I strongly support and urge that the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee recommend the Administration's proposal to extend for five years authorization for construction and staffing of Comprehensive Mental Health Centers. Sincerely, GORDON S. JOHNSON, M.D., Superintendent Utah State Hospital, and Member, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Congressman HARLEY O. STAGGERS, [Telegram] Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, Urge favorable consideration of Administration's proposal to extend for five years authorization for construction and staffing of community mental health centers (H.R. 6431). Much planning and essential community organization presently underway in West Virginia with involvement of major communities throughout the state. However, it is vital that authorization be extended for orderly planning and phasing of projects over a five year period in line with existing state and community resources. Community mental health services and facilities considered only feasible approach to meeting burgeoning problem in the state and in the nation. The Honorable HARLEY O. STAGGERS, Chairman, House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, The provisions of P.L. 88-164 and P.L. 89-105 have been important factors in assisting the State department of mental hygiene and local governments in the construction and staffing of mental health centers throughout New York State. According to the State mental health plan, 112 more community mental health centers are needed. Only 16 of these are in the construction planning phase. An even greater disparity exists in regard to mental retardation facilities. It is urgent that Federal assistance be continued so that these present needs for facilities can become future realities. I strongly urge enactment by Congress of H.R. 6431, Mental Health Amendments of 1967, so that the Federal Government can continue in cooperation with the States and local governments to assure all residents the best in mental health services. NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER, Governor. [Telegram] HARTFORD, CONN., April 4, 1967. Congressman HARLEY STAGGERS, Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Comerce Committee, Urge favorable consideration by your committee of H.R. 6431 proposing to extend for five years authorization for construction and staffing of community mental health centers. This program is one of the most useful ever sponsored by the Federal Government to aid and stimulate the most forward looking programs for care, treatment and rehabilitation of the mentally ill. In Connecticut the program already has been of great value in one mental health center now operating in the city of New Haven and in the development of a second planned for the city of Bridgeport. Continuation of the program will provide encouragement and support for further development of plans on which rest the hopes of thousands of citizens. JOHN DEMPSEY, Governor. [Telegram] TOPEKA, KANS., April 7, 1967. HONORABLE HARLEY STAGGERS, Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, Washington, D.C. I urge favorable consideration of H.R. 6431, which would extend the authorization for construction and staffing of community mental health centers. present legislation has stimulated interest in the communities throughout the State in preventive measures and has encouraged mental health workers to make better use of facilities already present in the community. With extension of this bill Kansas can look forward to additional comprehensive mental health services in at least four or five communities. ROBERT DOCKING, Governor of Kansas. HON. HARLEY STAGGERS, [Telegram] TALLAHASSEE, FLA., April 6, 1967. Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, Rayburn Office Building, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. The future of mental health treatment programs in Florida is contained in House bill 6431 which your committee conducted hearings on April 4, 1967. We have many porgrams awaiting additional Federal funds in this area and it would be a serious setback to Florida's mental health program if bill was not reported favorably and passed by the House of Representatives. I urge you to steer the measure to a successful conclusion. South Carolina now has a number of comprehensive community health centers in the initial planning stage, therefore urges extension of the authorization for construction and staffing these centers as proposed in H.R. 6431. Hope you and your committee can see fit to continue community mental health center program for next five years. GEORGE W. JACKSON, M.D., [Telegram] COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 13, 1967. BUREAU OF PLANNING AND GRANTS On behalf of Governor James A. Rhodes I want to convey Ohio's support of H.R. 6431. Federal aid to construct and staff mental health centers vital incentive to communities to improve services for mentally ill. Detailed letter of Ohio position to follow. MARTIN A. JANIS, Director, Ohio Dept. of Mental Hygiene and Correction. [Telegram] ALBANY, N.Y., April 6, 1967. The Honorable HARLEY O. STAGGERS, Chairman, Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. P.L. 88-164 and P.L. 89-105 have led to greatly accelerated growth of community mental health and mental retardation services in New York State. A relatively small amount of Federal money ($15 M.) has led to applications for facilities with a total value of $55 million. Moreover these acts and the guidelines and regulations developed therefrom have directly assisted New York State in implementing the kind of broad range programs with continuity and responsibility which will provide definitive services for the mentally ill and retarded in the communities where they reside. The construction now planned will provide for only 16 mental health centers of a total of 112 needed according to State plan. Even a greater disparity exists in the field of retardation centers and the public has become keenly aware of the unmet needs. We have letters of intent for 21 additional mental health centers and 6 mental retardation facilities at a total cost of $76 M. Unless this legislation is extended as proposed in H.R. 6431 we fear loss of momentum in this great program. ALAN D. MILLER, M.D., Commissioner, New York State Dept. of Mental Hygiene. Hon. HARLEY STAGGERS, [Telegram] CHATTAHOOCHEE, FLA., April 6, 1967. Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, The Florida Division of Mental Health is extremely interested in the prosposal to extend the present program of construction and staffing of community mental health centers, H.R. 6431. Under the present program Florida has made excellent progress by having nine projects approved for construction of community mental health centers. There are a number of other projects pending approval that will qualify should this program be extended. The staffing provision of the program is extremely important to these community mental health centers which will allow them to develop their program on a more comprehensive basis at a more rapid rate. Considerable State funds are presently involved in the staffing of the existing mental health clinics which will include future clinics under this program. Favorable consideration of H.R. 6431 by your committee will be appreciated. W. D. ROGERS, M.D., Director, Division of Mental Health. [Telegram] OLYMPIA, WASH., March 3, 1967. The Honorable HARLEY STAGGERS, Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, Washington, D.C.: I would like to express my very strong support of H.R. 6431 (Mental Health Amendments of 1967). I believe this bill to be vital to the continued development of community mental health services in the State of Washington. present time enthusiasm is high among those responsible for planning at the community level. Within the past two years these individuals have invested enormous amounts of time and energy in the task of laying a foundation for local mental health programs. The withdrawal of Federal funds at this time would constitute a serious blow to this concern and morale which, as you well know, has been so long in coming. Here in Washington there are several communities which are, quite literally, on the brink of submitting applications for Federal construction or staffing monies. For example, the St. Luke's Hospital in Spokane wishes to include a psychiatric in-patient unit in its new construction program; the community mental health service of South King County has sent us a preliminary draft of a mental health center staffing grant; and there are many others. Our citizens have responded well to the challenges posed by the original Federal legislation. They gained acceptance for community based services in a State where the care of the mentally ill traditionally has been a State responsibility; they have developed reasonable and feasible plans even in the face of severe manpower shortages; they have, through the legislature, begun to make increasing amounts of public funds available to pay for local mental health services. This latter is all the more remarkable when one realizes that up until now Washington has invested only about 7 cents per capita per year in community mental health programs. If Federal support is curtailed at this time, much of this effort will have been for nothing. Again, therefore, let me convey my support of H.R. 6431. It is of utmost importance the community mental health centers program be extended, particularly as it will be the less affluent portions of the State-those most in need of help-who will now be attempting to develop services. Community acceptance of this program as evidenced by the rapid development of centers, plus the continuing need makes it most urgent that H.R. 6431 be supported and passed. We strongly request your support of this measure. RAY LEWIS, M.D., Director, Division of Mental Health. [Telegram] HARRISBURG, PENN., March 31, 1967. Hon. HARLEY STAGGERS, Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.: I strongly support H.R. 6431, which extends the grant programs for construction and initial staffing of community mental health centers. I urge also increased funds for the construction program, since Pennsylvania program is hampered by low allocation. Strongly recommend that staffing grants be made through the States instead of directly to the community. MAX ROSENN, Secretary of Public Welfare, Congressman HARLEY STAGGERS, [Telegram] FRANKFORT, KY., April 3, 1967. Chairman, Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, Washington, D.C. I am taking the liberty of forwarding to you the position advocated by the Kentucky Department of Mental Health with respect to the extension of the community mental health center program. I sincerely urge and hope that you |