Mental health care could become more of a priority in the city of Madison, thanks to a new 24-hour mental health care crisis center recently proposed in the county budget.
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced Friday her plans to include a stabilization center in the 2010 budget, specifically for what she called a ""growing need for services for those with the most critical mental health needs.""
According to a statement released by Falk's office, Dane County would fund the center with $700,000 in federal medical assistance and community development block grant funding. An additional $95,000 in county tax levies is proposed in Falk's budget to help with initial costs of the facility.
Currently, county taxes pay up to $1,200 a day per bed for patients who need to be housed in the Mendota Mental Health Institute. When police officers or other law enforcement officials come across people with mental health needs, they are taken to local hospital emergency rooms. Many are eventually transferred to the MMHI.
The proposed Dane County Crisis Care Stabilization Center would have 12 beds and be specifically designed for people at risk of psychiatric hospitalization.
""This new Dane County Crisis Care Stabilization Center is a smart, cost effective way to get help to those in crisis,"" Falk said in the statement. ""Through a community-based treatment approach, we can better help these individuals in a less costly and less restrictive setting, and help get them back on their feet.""
Falk will introduce her budget to the county board Oct. 1. If approved, the county will issue a Request for Purchase to any companies who want to be involved with the construction and operation of the proposed facility.
