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Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: News Articles => Topic started by: okarol on January 26, 2008, 10:19:57 AM
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House passes bills aiding dialysis, mental health patients
Natalie Chandler • nchandler@clarionledger.com • January 24, 2008
Legislation that would prevent the closing of mental health community centers and continue offering free transportation for some dialysis patients received unanimous approval from the House of Representatives today.
The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.
Lawmakers on the House floor gave their support after members of the House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved spending $20 million from the state’s general fund on the state’s 15 community mental health centers.
Committee members also approved $3.9 million to provide free transportation services for about 500 low-income dialysis patients.
The centers provide rehabilitation services for residents with mental disabilities.
Some would be forced to cut services or close by the end of the month if the funding is not approved.
The dialysis patients would lose free rides in the spring if lawmakers don’t approve funding.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/NEWS/80124023