Legislators Urged to Support Statewide Equalization of Behavioral Health Services
Mansfield, CT– United Services, Inc. held its annual Legislative Dinner January 23 to provide area members of the General Assembly with an update on the successes and barriers in United Services’ efforts to meet the behavioral health needs of the region.
The evening meeting was hosted at United Services’ new Windham Regional Health and Wellness Center and attended by legislators and members of the United Services Board of Directors. The agency reviewed successes in the past year, which included providing more than 103,000 units of service to more than 3,300 residents.
United Services’ Behavioral Health Home, Employment Services and Child Guidance Clinic were a few programs to receive statewide recognition and awards for performance in 2019.
The agency also launched new programs in 2019, including Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction treatment, now available in both the agency’s Dayville and Windham area clinics.
But funding inequities continue to limit access to behavioral health services in northeastern Connecticut. Of 20 state-funded mental health services provided in Connecticut, only seven are available in northeastern Connecticut, according to information provided by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning.
“United Services continues to advocate for equal dollars and access to state-funded behavioral health programs across the state,” said Manning. “We appreciate the members of our General Assembly delegation, who took the time out to attend our event and join us in our advocacy in Hartford.”
United Services board members urged the delegation to support legislation that would require equalization of behavioral health services across the state, so all residents have access to supportive services that will assist them in improving and maintaining their behavioral health.
About United Services, Inc.
United Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit and comprehensive behavioral health center, creating healthy communities throughout northeast Connecticut for more than 55 years by providing psychosocial, behavioral health, chemical abuse, primary care, care coordination, wellness and prevention services to the community, and employee assistance program services for business and industry. With 11 locations and a staff of over 200, United Services operates more than 30 separate behavioral health programs, including the only domestic violence shelter for women and children in the region. United Services, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. To learn more, visit www.UnitedServicesCT.org.