Aldermen Propose Changes To Improve Management, Staffing At City Mental Health Clinics
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Some Chicago aldermen, mental health workers and others are proposing a new way for the city to help those who need psychological or psychiatric treatment, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
West Side Alderman Jason Ervin is sponsoring an ordinance he says would require improved management and staffing at the six mental health clinics currently operated by the city's department of public health. He says there are still too many people who are not getting the care they need.
"I think the solution is to number one, join a managed care network where the city could get reimbursed for the services that it provides," Ervin said. "By not doing that, we're leaving money on the table that could desperately be used to either A, enhance services or expand services."
Mental health advocates say that the existing clinics can serve more people than they do but bureaucratic and staffing problems get in the way.