Editorial: State should boost mental health funds

Wednesday, June 19, 2002 | 9:05 a.m.

A new study by the state Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services reports that thousands of Clark County residents with mental health ailments aren't being treated. The state agency says that higher priorities should be placed on providing more hospital beds for the mentally ill, along with more psychiatric emergency services, counseling, medication programs and services for the homeless.

The agency didn't estimate how much it would cost to make the enhancements to the state mental health system, but the assessment will be used in preparing its proposed budget. Gov. Kenny Guinn and the Nevada Legislature have made improvements after cuts were made to the system during the early 1990s. Still, significant needs remain and the governor and lawmakers should add more funding to eliminate the gaps in mental health care. Putting off more funding for the mental health system would be counterproductive, just as it would be shortsighted to not provide immediate care for physical ailments. The longer that mental health illnesses go untreated, the more difficult -- and costly -- it will be to treat people who have these disorders.