On Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:30:34 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

>On Mon 15 Sep 2008 03:53:56p, Boron Elgar told us...
>
>> On Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:16:01 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
>> > wrote:
>>
>>
>>>
>>>I am aware of quite a lot second hand, but documented. I work for a not-
>>>for-profit mental health agency where most of our clients are on various
>>>state programs.
>>
>> I have a friend who is helped by just such an agency in a state near
>> you. She can work at some jobs if she is on her meds, but once she
>> goes to work (always at very low wage and at places that offer no
>> insurance) she winds up losing her Medicaid and cannot afford her
>> meds. Once she is off meds, her symptoms reappear, she winds up
>> losing her job, as she is unable to function, and the whole cycle
>> begins again. Catch 22.
>
>This is a very sad situation, and I know it does happen. However, as long
>as one of our clients is functional and working, it doesn't necessarily
>mean they will lose all state medical benefits. In many instances here,
>the state still subsidizes the medications.
>
>> She has no family nearby or able to help, lives in something like an
>> SRO hotel, and has a pretty miserable time of it. It is these mental
>> health care agencies (or agency, I really do not know how many places
>> she goes to or has to report to) that help her get back to sanity and
>> job-capable, only to see it all crumble when she can't get meds.
>
>I know this happens, particularly in other areas, and even in other areas
>of Arizona. It really depends a lot on the strength of the local agencies.
>For example, our agency has numerous group homes as well as private
>apartments where many of our clients reside. When they are well enough to
>work, they do, but they are still receiving benefits through our agency,
>including medications. They receive the medications directly rather than
>through prescription programs.
>
>We have facilities for the SMI (severely mentally ill), transition
>facilities, and a methadone program which is excellent. The majority of
>those in the methadone program are individuals who are employed, but report
>to the methadone clinic daily for their dosing. Depending on their wages,
>they may have to pay a small sum per dose, but it is a very small sum.
>
>The goal of our organization, as well as many others here in the Valley, is
>to get people back on their feet and back into the workplace if at all
>possible.

I am sure it must be draining and emotionally wrenching as a job,
sometimes, but is sounds as if you do try to help people and make a
positive difference in their lives. That's a Good Thing and you are to
be thanked beyond wages.

Boron