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Treating mentally ill saves you money?Proponents: Cheaper than incarcerationGene Davis, DDN Staff WriterTuesday, March 3, 2009 | |
Colorado could ultimately save millions of dollars by improving mental health services for mentally ill people involved in the criminal justice system, says the group that represents Colorado’s 17 community health centers.
In 2007, Colorado spent 8.8 percent of the state’s general fund on corrections, according to Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC). Colorado has approximately 35,000 inmates in state prisons and county jails, and the Colorado Department of Corrections estimates that around 20 percent of those inmates have a serious mental illness.
Cost difference
Several Colorado mental health experts say that Denver and other cities are losing money by not allotting enough funds on community mental health services for the mentally ill who are cycled through incarceration — which costs up to $60,000 per year — instead of being treated in the community, which CBHC says costs around $6,000-$8,000 a year.
“We’re very strong proponents to get treatment to people rather than lock them up,’ said George DelGrosso, executive director of CBHC. “We can be a good investment for the state.”
Approximately $37.5 million of Colorado’s general funds go towards community health services for the mentally ill. Denver has several programs designed to improve health and health care for people with serious mental illness — listed as everything from post-traumatic stress disorder to severe depression — who are involved in the criminal justice system.
Expansion needed?
According to a 2008 report from the Metro Area County Commissioners Task Force On Mentally Ill Inmates (MACC), initiatives like the Court to Community Program — which allows for certain offenders with “serious and persistent mental health issues” access to mental evaluation and treatment — have been proven effective, but need to be expanded.
“Decreasing criminal justice costs must go hand in hand with increasing treatment dollars,” said a statement from Rick Doucet, co-chair of the MACC. “Ultimately, the person who is successful in recovery moves from being a burden to becoming a taxpayer. Long-term solutions generally result in savings for each community.”
DelGrosso said he is thankful that Gov. Bill Ritter has at least allotted $37.5 million towards community mental health services, but that more is needed. Ritter’s office could not be reached for comment yesterday.
“I know the government has a tough time in front of them with the budget,” DelGrosso said “But this does make good fiscal sense.”
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