Mental Health Merger

I’m tired of reading the denials of Ventura County Supervisors Susan Lacey and Kathy Long and the administrative officials of the defunct mental health merger that the county has lost any money. What these people are saying is that we are stupid not to understand the expenses encountered in hiring Deloitte & Touche consulting group and the fees of the law firm Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, which have amounted to more than $140,00 already and are still climbing.

I don’t know what message these officials want us to understand, but to me it is clear that the defunct merger was the result of defying the advice of higher authorities. It was absolutely wrong for these leaders to place our county in such peril of losing millions of dollars.

Former Director Stephen Kaplan says he supported the merger because it was the right thing for him to do. Well, he erred and he should have known better. Therefore he should accept the consequence of making such a big mistake that has cost the taxpayers so much money already, not to mention possible further penalties.

For the administration of Ventura County to win back the trust of us citizens and taxpayers, the culprits should be made accountable for this despicable, horrible error. The Health Care Agency, which is now again in charge of the Behavioral Health Department, should get rid not only of those who supported the merger but also the deadwood of the department. There are many qualified people out there who are dedicated to giving better service to our defenseless mentally ill population.

LUISA LAVAREZ, Moorpark

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The first step toward resolving the serious wrongdoing perpetuated by the merger of the county’s Behavioral Health Department with the Public Social Services Agency was taken when the Board of Supervisors rescinded the merger.

The second step was taken when Pierre Durand replaced the administration of that department with knowledgeable, professional physicians.

The next step should be to develop a level of care with the brain-diseased client as the focus. This would include developing a sub-acute care facility, treatment focus, housing, in-home services, a fast track for the newly diagnosed and a multifaceted approach where the clients’ needs--not the employees’ needs--are primary.

There must be input, cooperation and support for the client from the families, the physicians, social workers and vocational therapists. In the past, this has not occurred.

The Systems of Care that state Sen. Cathie Wright thinks she knows about is pitiful. That program does not provide the level of care that the seriously mentally ill in Ventura County need or deserve. Releasing patients from inpatient care to motels is criminal. The homeless mentally ill situation needs to be addressed countywide.

I believe the Behavioral Health Department under the Health Services Agency is moving in the direction that is in the best interests of the client. I support the new administration and urge everyone to do the same.

LOUISE OSEGUERA, Ojai