Members of Carroll County's Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Committee are frustrated with the county commissioners, who in nine months have failed to respond to its recommendation to establish a nonprofit agency to coordinate services for the mentally ill.
The committee's recommendation came after 18 months of studying the concept of a "core service agency (CSA)," which is endorsed and funded by the state Mental Hygiene Administration.
The county commissioners say that, although they haven't made an official decision, they heavily favor either setting up a core service agency within the county health department or rejecting the CSA idea entirely.
In the meantime, Commissioner Elmer C. Lippy says they need more time to study the CSA concept and that, for now, the issue is in limbo.
"There's a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for creating another agency we believe is not necessary and would create another layer of bureaucracy," Mr. Lippy said.
Some members of the mental health and addictions advisory committee said they are disappointed they haven't heard from the commissioners since they submitted their recommendation in March.
"We had expected there would be a response from them, even if it was just to say it's under study," said Helen Choma, co-chairman of the panel.
Mr. Lippy said the commissioners see no need to notify the committee until they have taken an official vote on whether to establish a CSA.
County health officer Janet Neslen and deputy health officer Larry Leitch have briefed the commissioners about core service agencies.
Dr. Neslen said she hasn't decided where she stands on the issue and has not advised the commissioners on a position.
"We hoped we could get them informed enough to make a decision that is truly their own," she said.
"I've tried to figure out what truly would work best for the county, and I'm not sure I know. I'm not sure we have enough precedent behind us."
The CSA concept was approved by the General Assembly in 1991 as a way to improve the coordination of community mental health services and include mentally ill patients and their families in policy-making decisions.
Core service agencies are not required, but the state would like to have agencies in all counties by 1995, said Stacy Rudin, assistant director for planning and program development with the state Mental Hygiene Administration.
