WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsState, advocates differ on mental health in W.Va.
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Associated Press - December 26, 2009 10:45 AM ET
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - For West Virginians with mental illness, the last 12 months have either seen hopeful progress or a frustrating perpetuation of the status quo.
It depends on who you ask.
Members of groups like West Virginia Advocates and the West Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association say not much has changed, despite efforts from courts, the Legislature and Gov. Joe Manchin.
Clarice Hausch of West Virginia Advocates says some people who need services are worse off now than they were a year ago.
Behavioral health commissioner Vickie Jones disputes that. She says the state has set aside millions of dollars for services and is implementing new programs.
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