[Sly Fox]

January 31, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today called on state leaders and experts to serve on the Mental Health Transformation Working Group. Blunt created the group to further his commitment to improving Missouri’s mental health system and to ensuring that when families entrust their loved one to the care of the mental health system, they can be confident the state provides them with a safe and nurturing environment.

“Since I took office, we have made significant strides to improve cooperation among agencies to better serve mental health clients and safeguard their well being. This group will continue our ongoing efforts to enhance client safety and improve customer service within Missouri’s mental health system,” said Blunt.

The governor has invested time and resources into improving the mental health system. In June 2006, he formed the Mental Health Task Force to help improve safety. After implementing several of the cooperative task force recommendations he has also called for $2.6 million to immediately implement even more of their recommended improvements. Blunt charged the group, his agencies and General Assembly members to work together to prevent instances of abuse and neglect and ensure that those who mistreat the vulnerable are held accountable and punished.

Blunt created the Mental Health Transformation Working Group to transform the state’s mental health system and improve the delivery of services to Missourians. The group will work with a $14.2 million federal grant to develop and implement a comprehensive and cooperative state mental health plan. The grant will support, among other costs, workforce development, technology enhancements, training, local system development and evidence based practices.

The group’s work will enhance the governor’s call for increased protection for mental health clients in Missouri’s public and private mental health facilities. Last year the governor signed an executive order that ensured the State Department of Mental Health (DMH) will continue to inform the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement officials of any deaths or assaults occurring in a facility that is operated, licensed or certified by DMH, and that all deaths in a facility be reported to the local coroner or medical examiner.

* Paula Neese, 54 of Columbia, is director of Missouri’s Children’s Division at the Missouri Department of Social Services. Ms. Neese holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southwest Texas State University and master’s in counseling from Liberty University. Her appointment is for a term ending at the pleasure of the governor.

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