Don’t cut funding before new plan in place

After reading Steve Gravelle's Jan. 28 article, “No immediate savings in MHDD reform, warns director of DHS,” I say the changes being made to the system seem backward. I support changing Iowa's mental health system to a regional or state level, but to cut county funds before a new plan is in place makes no sense!

I work for a government-funded inpatient mental health facility that has depended on county funding. With the new budget our sources of income have simply disappeared, leaving people we serve high and dry. This program should continue to keep those with mental illness off the streets.

It appears that policy makers have tried to “kick-start MHDD reform,” but in effect may cripple it by leaving a county-size hole and walking away. Legislators, please have a plan for remodeling before breaking out the sledgehammer.

Jennifer Day

Cedar Rapids