SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 53
(By Senators Jenkins, Unger, Foster, Hunter and Plymale)
Requesting the Department of Health and Human Resources study the
West Virginia mental health system crisis.
Whereas, Funding cuts have led to record suicides and
overcrowding in mental hospitals and jails. In 2001, 290 West
Virginians killed themselves, making West Virginia's suicide rate
the fifth highest in the nation; and
Whereas, Between 1999 and 2003 court petitions by police,
social workers and family members requesting involuntary commitment
increased by 45 percent; and
Whereas, While state planning has attempted to deal with this
problem and despite millions of dollars being spent, the situation
is worsening; and
Whereas, Current and past mental health planning has
concentrated primarily on state hospitals and community health
centers, ignoring the private sector; and
Whereas, West Virginia hospital emergency rooms are crowded
with patients needing mental health treatment, thereby straining
hospital resources; and
Whereas, The state must seek adequate input and consultation
from all stakeholders, including private sector psychiatry;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Department of Health
and Human Resources to study the West Virginia mental health system
crisis; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Health and Human
Resources assess and provide solutions to the state's mental health
system crisis; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Health and Human
Resources report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007,
on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with
drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations.
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