Department of Mental Health restructuring proposal is ill advised, board chairs argue

Don’t restructure DMH

On behalf of the chairs of the boards of the Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) 16 mental health centers, I write to urge that this department be removed from Senate Bill 2 which would divide the functions of DHEC into separate agencies, making DMH a “division” of a new agency: the Department of Behavioral and Public Health.

Supporters of S2 cite that DHEC is too large, yet combining DHEC’s public health functions with DMH and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services would create an agency much larger than DHEC already is. Moreover, the new agency would regulate the hospitals and nursing homes that DMH currently operates.

We support any proposal that improves services for people with mental illness; however, a 2021 study of the state’s public health, environmental, and behavioral health areas, comprising more than 50 experts, did not recommend restructuring existing agencies to improve services.

South Carolina, like the entire country, is experiencing an unprecedented need for mental health services. In the midst of this crisis, a massive restructuring of services and the disruption it will cause will not provide better mental health care for South Carolinians, and may in fact cause harm.

Addison Fender, Beaufort

Like Isaac said

The opinion article about our “Flip or Flop” S.C. Senator Lindsey Graham was absolutely brilliant.

It was extremely well written and illustrated in simple language the Jekell & Hyde personality that he so well emulates.

Previously our household thought that he had the best interests of his SC constituents high on his priorities as well as the rest of our fellow Americans. That folks is so wrong.

Like Issac Bailey said, “He’s repeatedly proven himself to be unworthy of our support.”

George J. Wilberg, Murrells Inlet

A Rice endorsement

It is my sincere belief that the voting public has tired of the attacking, “rip-your-face-off” politics that has seemed to be the norm for the past few years.

Ten years ago, when I moved to Horry County, I voted for Congressman Rice. Since that time in my involvement with the Republican party in a variety of positions, including three years as State Committeeman, I have come to know personally both the congressman and his main opponent Representative Fry.

I have known Mr. Fry as a hard-working student of politics; however, I notice he has shifted his allegiance to the former president and his followers who refuse to accept the results of the past election. His only complaint about Mr. Rice is that he voted to impeach the past president.

Congressman Rice on the other hand has consistently worked for the betterment of the district. Now that he has been in Congress for a few terms, he has achieved a seniority status that will allow him to become even more effective, especially if the GOP wins majority.

As for me, I am tired of confrontation politics and want my congressman to be an effective legislator. So, I am endorsing Tom Rice.

Norman Fay, Myrtle Beach

EV-ready?

With gasoline prices topping $4/gallon, electric cars (EVs) are being heavily advertised as the solution. But are we ready for this “solution”?

How is electricity to power them generated? If you guessed nuclear or fossil fuels, you would be right.

Is the current U.S. grid able to handle this increased demand for power? The current answer is no.

What is the average mileage range between charges? The Nissan Leaf, one of the more cost effective/efficient EVs, has a range of 150-226 miles.

Depending on the type of battery your car uses, charging can take between three to 10 hours. Another concern is battery safety. Many EVs offer a fire extinguisher with the battery as standard equipment.

What about battery life? This can vary with hot/cold temperatures/high altitudes. Battery replacement estimates are about $10,000.

What about spent batteries? Currently, there is no clear plan for recycling spent EV batteries so the environmental impact is unclear.

Did you know that the average cost of a new EV is about $60,000 versus $45,000 for a new gasoline- powered vehicle?

Before you consider an EV, do your research and ask yourself if we really are ready.

Laurie Haddock, Bluffton