CONCORD – As the new mental health crisis unit opened in Concord this morning, the Associated Press noted that it “was supposed to open last fall, but faced hiring delays from Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan’s budget veto” last summer. New Hampshire State Republican Committee (NHGOP) Chairman Jennifer Horn issued the following statement:
“While it’s positive news that this mental health unit is now accepting patients, it’s unfortunate that it opened so far behind schedule because of Governor Hassan’s reckless and politically motivated budget veto. Voters won’t forget that Hassan’s selfish political games delayed critical funding and services for New Hampshire’s most vulnerable citizens, put unnecessary pressure on local emergency rooms and caused chaos in our state’s health care system – which is proof that she puts her political ambitions ahead of the people of New Hampshire.”
BACKGROUND
Associated Press: “State’s Health Department Doesn’t Have The Money To Staff And Open The Crisis Unit.” “Now operating on fiscal year 2015 levels, the state’s health department doesn’t have the money to staff and open the crisis unit.”(Staff, “Budget Stalemate Delays Opening Of 10-Bed Mental Health Unit,” Associated Press, 8/25/15)
“The Delay Puts A Continued Strain On Local Emergency Rooms.” “Officials say the delay puts a continued strain on local emergency rooms that can start sending patients to the crisis unit once it is up and running.” (Staff, “Budget Stalemate Delays Opening Of 10-Bed Mental Health Unit,” Associated Press, 8/25/15)
Concord Monitor: “Gov. Maggie Hassan Vetoed A Republican-Crafted Budget In June That Included Money To Get The Crisis Unit Staffed And Operational.” (Allie Morris, “State budget impasse delays opening of crisis unit at New Hampshire Hospital,” Concord Monitor, 8/24/15)
“A New Ten-Bed Crisis Unit At New Hampshire Hospital Won’t Open To Patients This Summer, As Previously Planned.” “Continued wrangling over the state budget means a new ten-bed crisis unit at New Hampshire Hospital won’t open to patients this summer, as previously planned.” (Allie Morris, “State budget impasse delays opening of crisis unit at New Hampshire Hospital,” Concord Monitor, 8/24/15)
WMUR: “10-Bed Mental Health Crisis Unit At New Hampshire Hospital Won’t Open As Planned.” “The state budget stalemate means a 10-bed mental health crisis unit at New Hampshire Hospital won’t open as planned this fall.” (Staff, “State budget stalemate delays opening of 10-bed mental health unit,” WMUR, 8/24/15)
“Money To Hire Staff And Operate The Unit Was To Be Included In The 2016-2017 Budget That Gov. Maggie Hassan Vetoed.” “The 2014-2015 state budget included money to build the new crisis unit, but money to hire staff and operate the unit was to be included in the 2016-2017 budget that Gov. Maggie Hassan vetoed.” (Staff, “State budget stalemate delays opening of 10-bed mental health unit,” WMUR, 8/24/15)
“The Longer The Delay, The Longer Emergency Rooms Feel A Squeeze.” (Staff, “State budget stalemate delays opening of 10-bed mental health unit,” WMUR, 8/24/15)
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