A.N.D. Leadership Gives Testimony at FY18 JFC Budget Hearings
This week, members of the Ability Network of Delaware (A.N.D.) leadership team testified at Joint Finance Committee (JFC) budget hearings for both the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and the Division of Developmental Disability Services. On Tuesday, February 7th, A.N.D. Associate Executive Director, Carolyn Petrak, spoke to the JFC about the need to keep Managed Care companies accountable for covering mental health and substance use disorder serves at rates equal to other medical conditions. Ms. Petrak also noted the growing workforce shortage in behavioral health and encouraged the Committee to invest in additional degree programs in Delaware’s universities and colleges to train and retain behavioral health professionals in Delaware. Click here to read the full testimony.
On Wednesday, February 8th, Thomas Cook, Executive Director, testified before the JFC during budget hearings for the Division of Developmental Disability Services. Mr. Cook spoke to the need for funding to fill the $39 million gap in the intellectual/developmental disability service system in Delaware. Click here to read Mr. Cook’s full testimony and learn more about his proposed funding sources.
For more information on the ID/DD funding shortfall and how you can lend your support and encourage your elected officials to pass legislation to mandate funding, click here.