John Tote says his appointment to and subsequent withdrawal from a state post overseeing mental health programs was bungled.
Careful cutting – Raleigh News and Observer Editorials – NewsObserver.com
The rule that applies to youngsters in the kitchen applies to state budget-makers when it comes to taking the knife to valuable programs, particularly when those programs involve help for the elderly and disabled. Watch out for sharp objects.
Lanier Cansler, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services, says his department can cut $60 million in 2010-2011 in the area of personal care services – at-home services – for disabled and elderly North Carolinians, without denying help to people who really need it.
Mental health group can pay only half wages - State – NewsObserver.com
RALEIGH — The state’s oldest and largest mental health advocacy group is in such deep financial trouble it cannot fully pay its workers.
A memo sent this week to the more than 200 employees of the Mental Health Association of North Carolina says they will receive paychecks today for only 50 percent of what they have earned.
Cansler: State can cut, still aid needy - State – NewsObserver.com
RALEIGH — About two out of five of the old and disabled North Carolinians who have been receiving in-home help through Medicaid don’t really need it, the state’s top health official said Wednesday.
Holly Hill Hospital gets federal reprieve - Health/Science – NewsObserver.com
RALEIGH — Regulators have lifted an “immediate jeopardy” finding from Holly Hill Hospital, removing the threat that the Raleigh mental facility would lose access to federal insurance reimbursements.
Police were called to Holly Hill on April 18 after a large fight broke out in one of the hospital’s wards. Three teenaged patients were arrested on assault charges for punching staff members.
Tote withdraws as new NC mental health director - Wire – North Carolina – NewsObserver.com
Post entryRALEIGH, N.C. — The state’s troubled mental health system faced another setback Monday when an advocate for the mentally ill named last week to run the agency withdrew from the post due to a flap over some tax problems at the group he ran.
Ex-mental hospital staffer admits beating patient – Raleigh News and Observer Crime/Safety – NewsObserver.com
RALEIGH — After years of denying his role in the 2006 beating of a mental patient at Cherry Hospital, a former staff member of the Goldsboro mental facility admitted guilt today.
The Daily Reflector – Budget cuts threaten to harm education, mental health
If state lawmakers harbored any illusions about the challenge presented by the budget, this week’s public hearing effectively erased them. Those who spoke during the Monday session pleaded to be spared the deep cuts needed to close a revenue shortfall estimated at $800 million and for budget writers to look elsewhere for savings.
Mental health, community college reps present budget needs -Morganton News Herald
MORGANTON – As others have in the current economic climate, Mental Health Partners and Western Piedmont Community College asked county commissioners on Tuesday for more money.
FayObserver.com – Teen recalls scene of Harnett double murder-suicide
SPRING LAKE – The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office released a chilling 911 recording Monday of a teenager describing the scene of an apparent double murder-suicide Saturday in a mobile home on N.C. 210.
