Ohio Governor Fears ‘Budgetary Bleeding’ Will Necessitate Closure of Some State Mental Hospitals

Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (R) stated on Oct. 11 that "budgetary bleeding" could prompt the closure of some state mental hospitals, much to the dismay of mental health advocates, the Columbus Dispatch reports. By June 30, 2002, the state projects a $1.2 billion revenue shortfall (Riskind/Leonard, Columbus Dispatch, 10/12). To reduce the budget deficit, Taft last week ordered state agencies to cut their budgets by 6%; however, the state's mental health agencies, including the departments of mental retardation and developmental disabilities and youth services, must reduce their budgets by 3% (Johnson/Craig, Columbus Dispatch, 10/11). To meet the governor's budgetary demands, state mental health officials are considering laying off more than 200 employees, which would save $5.6 million (Columbus Dispatch, 10/12). Budget cuts may also force the closing of four of the state's nine mental hospitals (Columbus Dispatch, 10/11). Sam Hibbs, a spokesperson for the state Department of Mental Health, said, "We are looking at options regarding possibly closing sites because the budget situation could require it." He added that Taft "doesn't want a reduction in crucial services to disabled people and that closing multiple sites would be unacceptable" (Associated Press, 10/11). The Dispatch reports that the Taft administration will likely have a final plan to trim the budget in place sometime this week (Columbus Dispatch, 10/11). For further information on state health policy in Ohio, visit State Health Facts Online.