r�.vttJl N S . • , _.". ew.f nvJCe LA SI G - With three budget reductions' thi fiscel year and a blea pictu e for 1988-89, Michigan community mental health· leader are ing their case to state la - makers. • Community officials ha� of­ fered few complaints about their economic support in ,the recent p st - bu that may soon change. Le ding the w y is David A. LaLumia, executive director of the icbigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards. LeLumia testified before a cnate mental health ubcommittee hoping to have an effect on the group' upcom- 109 budget recommendations. His testimony tates that 0 the $12 million cut from the men� I he lth department's budget since last July, 7S percent wa t ken from community­ based services. Last fall, virtual­ ly all community-based expan­ sion elimin ted after a S3.5 million reducti ccordqlg .to testimony. Although Gov. James Blanchard's propo ed budget contains $41.4 millio general fund increase 'for the depart­ ment, community programs ould actually be reduced by $4 '. n . DDing ill 1989, La- Lumi said. The ina wOuld instead go toward state­ operated services. and institu­ tions. Department. Director Thomas 'Watkins stressed the importance of . creased fund­ ing to tate-operated institutio th t are now r federal co order to improve st !fing. About 70 percen of adult p ychi tric ho pital are 'in je pardy of . Medicaid - credit uo W .' . d. t' te vers county," t • d. "It's that if we 1 those acer .. t cuts would have to co from some- ere 'thin the em or &om the e doI1an. "I'� kM to think that there'd be new dollar available, b pYCn the COD&tramt that we ba'YC in ihe overall e budld. that's j not u.e case.- Watkins added that com­ ftUt'lIIti· tv mental health prop in � have receieed iD­ ere of more than $150 mil­ li n since 1983. Community mental health bo ds are plan­ ning percent reduction in response to the recent budget cuts, said Edward A. Oxer, program director of Ingham County Community Mental Health Center. Oxer expressed particular concern over the possible reduc­ tions to outpatient care. , "Because these peop e have never been in the hospital, and probably won't go in the hospi­ tal, they're seen as a low priority," OxCr said, ere's a certain irony there becau e these are the people who have the greatest chance f becoming productive, working people." Although recent urvey showed a majority approve of community-based care, Oxer said those in the minority may be actively working to influence state gOYemment. Community care has al ays f ced some a degree of opposi­ tion, Oxer said, but Watkins as­ sured he ould attempt to re- tore any lost funds. "I'm not bashful about asking for at I believe we need to en­ hance our service system," Wat­ kins said. But uch urance may not be enough for those who direct programs in family guid nee residential bome and adoIes­ cenr outpatient care. Oxer said e kn the department' in a precar position, but believes further cuts to community progr ·n only uen the system. t )00 a little bit like they're taking care of the DMH f eil' ie and lenin the com- Free health screeni 'U be offered t Detroit a eopathic H pital (DOH) on 'April 12 in conjunction itb Project . Healtb-O-Rama. The screen- Volun r ded Detroit Osteopathic Hospital: Volunteer oppor­ tunitie available in the gift so, on nursing units, at the information de d for oth r diver projects. Training, free meal nd parking rovided. 12523 Third Av n Highland P rk. t Dorothy Hopkin h man resources director, 252-4080. a . take place from 10 LID. to 6 p.m. in the U Care Center (formerly the (Out­ patient Departme t) at Detro' a teopathic Ho pital, 12523 Third Ave. in HighlaDd Par . Free transportatio . availab by calling 252-4