1975 Letters regarding Florida State Hospital, Chattahoochee, Gadsden Co., FL File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Betty Mae James Smith, BettyMaeS@aol.com USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. This file may not be removed from this server or altered in any way for placement on another server without the consent of the State and USGenWeb Project coordinators and the contributor. *********************************************************************** ADVISORY COUNCIL ON MENTAL HEALTH June 24, 1975 The Honorable Reubin O'D. Askew Governor of Florida The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32304 Dear Governor Askew; At its meeting on June 24, 1975, your Advisory Council on Mental Health discussed House Bill 658, which was passed during the last legislative session and directs the Northeast Florida State Hospital at Macdenny to set aside one or more acres of land on or off the grounds of the hospital for the burial of unclaimed bodies of deceased patients of the hospital. In the opinion of your Advisory Council, this is clearly a discriminatory act. We believe that there is dignity in death, and unclaimed bodies should not be laid to rest isolated from the bodies of others. We strongly recommend you veto House Bill 658. Sincerely, (Mrs.) Paul B. Rice, Chairperson Advisory Council on Mental Health CER/fam cc: Mr. Emmett S. Roberts Stuart N. Cahoon, M.D. Members, Advisory Council on Mental Health ----------------------------------------------------------------- District II Mental Health Board Inc. 110 SEMINOLE AVENUE VALPARAISO, FLORIDA 32580 DOMINICK J. LeFANTE, A.C.S.W. Executive Director Telephone (904) 678-1814 (Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa Counties) January 29, 1974 The Honorable Reubin O'D Askew Governor of Florida Capitol Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Dear Governor Askew: As president of Mental Health District Board 2, I am requesting your support in continued funding of the Baker Act. Since the implementation of the Baker Act, we have seen a progressive change in attitudes towards and treatment of those with emotional problems. I must, however, express my personal concern for the lack of controls on this money. I am appalled at the abuse of these funds by professional people from hospital administrative staff to the doctors. We now hospitalize every marginal case since the bill will be paid without question. Per diem rates for hospitals go as high as $80/day, which I feel is excessive. (Example: Shands Teaching Hospital) No standards or maximum rates have been established and really need to be to effectively utilize our tax dollars. These problems must be addressed to curtail this type abuse in future Baker Act funds. Donald D. Welton x President District Board 2