I have been in the mental health field for over 12 years and continue to see the system fail those in need. Many clients have been able to avoid hospitalization as a result of our services. With the new changes these clients will no longer be elagible for Mhss since they have no history of hospitalization. This does not make their mental illness any less significant or debilitating. Many clients are going to be denied services. This will have ripple effect not only for them but for the families they care for. In many cases these clients have underage children so thy are not just responsible for themselves but for others and Mhss keeps them on the right track for their families. The effects of these changes will reach far beyond just our clients. Please reconsider the changes. It is hard enough for the mentally ill to revive help. Why make it harder. Create a system that works for them. Not against them.