Byram says funding needed to lessen mental health crises
By Terry Murry on Monday, June 7th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram says he’s glad to see the county combine mental health services with substance use disorder treatment. He’s also pleased with discussions of how to team experts up with law enforcement to handle such crises. However, he said that’s not all that’s needed.
“You have to have the funding for the resources,” Byram added. That’s what we’re really harping on right now. We have to provide the resources so that we get out of this cycle.”
He said mental health and addiction problems cannot and should not be answered with a stint in jail or a short stay in a local hospital. Treatment centers to help people conquer their difficulties are essential.
“If we’re really saying that we’re making it a priority, then it cannot be an unfunded mandate,” he said.
