It's looking like we will have at least a short term interim budget for State Fiscal Year 2010. What does that mean for alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services? More than likely it will result in at least a short term continuation budget, and it should be noted that a continuation budget will more than likely be less than the SFY 2009 ending budget. It will also mean that all of us will need to continue advocating for appropriate funding for all behavioral health services. As legislators and the Governor try to work out their differences it will be very important that we keep our issues at the forefront of peoples thoughts, as our issues will not be the largest of the concerns they must negotiate. So until we have a budget, keep the pressure on! Call and Email the Governor's office, legislative leaders and conferees; tell them they need to ensure that Ohioans do not die NEEDLESSLY, and they can do that by fully funding alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services!

Have a great week!