Rep. McCarty Receives Second Leadership Award from Eastern CT Regional Mental Health Board

HARTFORD – State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) received an award this week in recognition of her hard work and leadership in regards to closing the gaps in mental health services across the state – for the second year in a row. As a member of the Public Health Committee, Rep. McCarty has long advocated for the care of those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

During this year’s session, Rep. McCarty co-sponsored PA 17-61 to ensure better service for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by developing a state-wide comprehensive residential waiting list maintained, and updated quarterly, by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Commissioner.

The bill, which becomes effective under Connecticut state law on July 1, 2018, requires DDS to provide accurate and up-to-date information on family needs regarding the Residential Waiting List and other services by requiring a yearly census conducted when families meet with DDS for their annual review. DDS must also develop a five and 10 year plan for each individual with intellectual disability who is eligible for DDS services and who has an individual plan from DDS.

She also attended a forum to raise awareness for ID/D families in February.

Reps. McCarty (center) and Cheeseman (second from right) with with Commissoner Rittmon, Interim Executive Director Kati Mapa and President Howard at the ERMHB 2017 annual meeting.

Rep. McCarty voted in favor of the following legislative efforts, and even testified for others:

• H.B. 5741: Gives the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) greater oversight of sober living homes and raises their standards.
• H.B. 7052: Continues the state’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic sweeping our communities by limiting opioid prescriptions to minors, allowing patients to request not to be prescribed an opioid, requiring greater discussion of the risks associated with opioid use between doctors and patients, and increases oversight of the dispensing and disposal of opioid prescriptions.

For information on the services that the Eastern Regional Mental Health board provides, please visit www.changingmindsct.org.