*Paul's note - this e-mail was sent to Bill McClellan, the columnist of St. Louis Post Dispatch. This is to recruit him to help us to expose the bull about DMH and the deaf programs. There will be posting about seeking attorney to help expedite the process to provide mental health services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Missouri. - DMH does not have money in 2008 and 2009 for the programs we need for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. They are working on 2010 budget. It is like they are playing shell game with us. It is time to STOP it and demand services NOW!
August 22, 2008
Bill McClellan
Post Dispatch Columnist
St. Louis Post Dispatch
e-mail: bmcclellan@post-dispatch.com
To Bill McClellan:
I have read your column the past Sunday, August 17, 2008 when you wrote about "where mental health system fails, there's always jail." I find it interesting and there is another venue going on where the deaf community is suffering.
I would like to ask you to help the Missouri Deaf Community get long overdue services from the Missouri Department of Mental Health. They have been window dressing and playing the shell game with Missouri Deaf Community for many years.
We need them to stop playing games with the Deaf Community. We are ready and considering legal lawsuit against the Department of Mental Health. It is time to expose them for failing to provide mental health services for the deaf and hard of hearing. They have wasted millions of dollars and they have not listened to what the deaf committee proposed that DMH set up a 10 bed ward in at least 5 locations throughout the Missouri state. This is to be equal communication access and deaf friendly.
It is a long story about what had transpired the last ten years. Two program administrators had to leave DMH as the superiors at DMH continue to play the games. The buck keeps being passed around all these years.
The deaf community at large is suffering from lack of services that are sorely needed. Our proposal fell on their deaf ears. Pardon the pun! It worked in South Carolina and Alabama. This is how and why we would like DMH to accept our proposal to have the mental health services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
So, Mr. McClellan, will you help us expose their dirty laundry? We plan to take legal action so with your help, it will make our job easier in pursing legal avenue. We do not have the funds yet, but we will try. We are seeking a lawyer who can do pro bono to see that the DMH meet the needs of the Deaf and Hard of hearing right now. Not next year or in 2010 as they keep putting it off every year for many years.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Paul J. Kiel
St. Louis, Missouri
e-mail: myfavaslworld@aol.com
