The Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is facing some difficult decisions over the next few months as it loses 10 percent of its budget. The board needs to cut nearly $2 million by July first.
"It's a huge issue in the community," says David Schlaudecker, a board member on the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
Schlaudecker attended a fundraiser Wednesday night hosted by the group Heart & Soul: Caring for our Community. He co-chaired the kick-off to the group's big event in April.
"Our purpose is to raise some money to help really wonderful organizations who serve those who are most in need of mental health and drug and alcohol help," says Schlaudecker.
"One in four people have someone, know someone living with mental illness," says Tony Rasczyk, co-founder of Heart & Soul who has a family member with schizophrenia.
Leaders say events like this are especially needed right now.
Thanks to state funding cuts, the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board needs to cut close to $2 million from its budget by July first.
"That's over ten percent of our disposable income and that's direct service dollars that we're going to lose that we have lost because of the economy," says Schlaudecker.
That's on top of the cuts already made over the last few years.
"It means that some individuals who are sick are not going to get our services now," says Schlaudecker. "We have to look at those who are the healthiest of the sick individuals."
He fears it could be dangerous for the community.
"We don't want to have rock stars or other ones we love in our community dying because they didn't have the help available to them," says Schlaudecker.
Heart & Soul's 8th annual fundraiser which will be held in the Suite Level Lounge at Fifth Third Field on April 14-th is expected to raise $24,000 through tickets and a live auction. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.
"There's food, there's music, there's entertainment. There's the Brett Michaels donated guitar," says Mary Beth Zolik of 101.5 The River and co-chair of the event.
"Fundraisers like this in a tiny way start to fill the gap and get people involved and get them aware of the needs we have in our community," says Schlaudecker.
www.heartandsoultoledo.com
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