Friday, November 11, 2011

Mental health budget cuts: South Carolina leads the nation

Mental health patients and their supporters rally against mental health cuts at the State Capitol, Columbia, S.C. February 2011

South Carolina is one of the poorest states in the country. The recession has dramatically increased the suffering there. More economic pressure means more people at risk of having mental health problems.

With cuts of over 39% to their budget for mental health treatment, South Carolina leads the nation. CBS News

More details on the massive public health problems in South Carolina.

South Carolina in top tier for cervical cancer deaths
Teen pregnancies, HIV and AIDS run rampant in South Carolina
South Carolina 5th highest in the U.S. for stroke deaths
South Carolina low overall health rankings
South Carolina ranks high for sexual assault

And yet, the conservative politicians that run the State like Senator Jim Demint and Governor Nikki Haley continue to push austerity and budget cuts.

Over 16% of South Carolinians have no health insurance while Demint flips on "Romney Care"
Nikki Haley flip flops on HPV vaccine 
Demint out to kill medicare for South Carolina seniors
Medicaid cuts threaten South Carolina's poor