OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Nine years ago, Tim Heller's son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
It is best described as having schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When Heller learned of his son's condition, he started seeking help like any other parent.
“I watched him go through the revolving door of the mental health system and spend a day there,” Heller said. “Then they released him, gave him a cab ride to the homeless shelter and stabilized him, but he’s still not stable.”
Heller serves as chair of the Nebraska Behavioral Health Advisory Council. After seeing what his son went through, he is dedicated to improving mental health care in the state.
“We have some short-term and medium-term programs, but we don't have long-term programs,” Heller said. “The only community care centers available are community care centres, but there is a waiting list to get in.”
Governor Pillen proposed cutting funding for behavioral health services by $15 million. Mr. Heller opposed the proposal and wrote a letter to the governor.
“I think he believes that Medicaid has a surplus in the budget that they receive from DHHS and is trying to divert that to other things,” Heller said. “I understand that it’s part of budgeting, but I understand that it’s part of budgeting in a state that has a D rating from the Treatment Advocacy Center for Behavioral Health. There are things we can do to dramatically improve our situation.”
Heller told 6News the proposal could reduce access to behavioral health care for people in need, which could result in an increase in crime, drug use and homelessness. Community Alliance, an organization that supports people's mental health, agrees.
“It's bad for agencies that are trying to serve the needs of their communities,” said Community Alliance CEO Carol Boi. “This proposed reduction is included in the governor’s budget, and I believe there is a misunderstanding of how the funds will be allocated and spent.”
“We need people who can take care of these people,” Heller said. “We are not responsible citizens and leaders when we allow people to continue to suffer from mental health problems when treatment and support is available.”
6 News reached out to Governor Pillen's office for comment on Heller's letter, but did not receive a response.
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