VENTURA COUNTY: Supervisors Support Housing For Mentally Ill
Ventura County supervisors unanimously adopted goals yesterday for increasing the housing options for the mentally ill. The expansion plan calls for the addition of as many as 250 beds over five years. County mental health chief Dr. David Gudeman noted that more beds are necessary to stop the "revolving door" through which mental health patients move from county public hospitals to the streets, only to be readmitted to the hospital a "short time later for more costly treatment." The Ventura County Mental Health Board recommendations will cost an estimated $5 million. Gudeman, who is expected to present more expansion details to the supervisors in two weeks, said, "Permanent supported housing will be a benefit to the entire community" (Los Angeles Times, 11/10).
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