Jefferson Mental Health Center is a private not-for-profit organization with 5013c status. Your donations are tax deductible. Because of the vagaries of Managed Care (Washington State PRSN/PHP pre-paid mental health funding) JMHS is chronically in need of additional funds to meet the basic mental health service needs of East Jefferson County.

Changes in mental health funding currently threaten an already fragmented system. New federal requirements that federal funds only be used to serve individuals with Medicaid coupons, and only for a limited menu of services, ignore reality for those who suffer from mental illness. Washington, along with other states, has cut Medicaid eligibility for adults so that very few are eligible, and has edged thousands of children out of eligibility. For many whose severe and chronic mental illness qualifies them for disability, Medicaid coupons are not available because of their meager disability income. Anti-psychotic medications are extremely expensive, and can easily outstrip what income a person has. New regulations will also remove many helpful activities and supports for the mentally ill, tieing the hands of mental health service providers.

Mental Health services are a critical component for any community's successful function. Collaboration between Mental Health, Law Enforcement, Churches, Substance Abuse programs, and Jefferson County departments such as the Health Department or the Court system is essential to create the best possible continuum of care within our small community. These activities and others are possible through community donations.

It is important that communities let the legislature know how crucial State funding is for mental health services to continue, and that they join in supporting their most at-risk citizens.

Several times a year JMHS promotes a fundraising event to support unfunded activities in both JMHS and the Child and Family Resource Center. Again this year, community support is even more vital.