Programs like ours and many other health care programs in Louisiana have been subject to multiple budget cuts that began in early 2009. Some organizations have endured the first rounds of these cuts up to now, but if this trend continues it could devastate the health care system and economy in our area.
We can't speak directly for other programs, but we can tell you about ours. Our treatment Staff are highly credentialed and our organization is accredited by CARF; both of which are very costly and are required for us to operate and receive the little funding we do. In addition to the high standards, MHR and MST both involve an extensive amount of client contact time per counselor/therapist making our program a great value for our State.
Many organizations in the area are able to use our MHR and MST programs for services they aren't able to provide themselves. We receive countless referrals from Dr. Offices, Schools, Courts, and other State agencies. In this way our program actually helps to fill a large gap in the system that others can't fill on their own.
Our legislators and our Governor may not know much about our program or how much it is
needed. However, they are the ones who can
make a difference, so it's up to you
to speak up and phone, write, or email them so that they can better
understand the importance of our program and how tight of a budget we are already on. Using the links below, find one or
more of your local legislators and let them know how Magnolia Family Services' MHR and/or MST programs have been beneficial to you, someone you know, or your organization. Tell them that we have already received several cuts and that you are worried that future cuts could be devastating to these programs. Ask them to
please do whatever they can to support the MHR and MST program.
Go here to find out who you can contact (just enter your address):
http://www.legis.state.la.us/ district/zipcode.asp
You can also email Governor Jindal's office:
http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor
