SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 87

(By Senators Palumbo, Yost, Unger, D. Hall, Green and McCabe)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the allocation of behavioral health spending on community-based support services.

    Whereas, The appropriations for behavioral health facilities are much greater than appropriations for more cost-effective community-based support services; and

    Whereas, Community support services reduce recidivism through active participation in safe and stable environments; and

    Whereas, Recovery support services provide opportunities for change, enabling individuals to accept responsibility in improving their own health and well-being; and

    Whereas, The Governor's Advisory Council on Substance Abuse recommends peer support, recovery coaching and transitional housing to reduce substance abuse; and

    Whereas, Peer support is a fact-based, proven alternative to hospitalization; and

    Whereas, The Legislature finds that it would be of greater benefit to the public if people lived in their own homes and received support directly from their communities; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the allocation of behavioral health spending on community-based support services; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the study be conducted in collaboration with the West Virginia Behavioral Health Planning Council, the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association, the Partnership of African American Churches and the Fair Shake Network; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.