The meeting commenced at 2:10 PM.

This first item for discussion was Agenda item 7, a document referred to the Committee by Hon. Latimer discussing "Trends In Mental Health". Leg. Stewart-Cousins welcomed Commissioner Friedman, and he commenced his presentation.

Commissioner Friedman began with a brief history of Mental Health. He discussed the history of how contemporary community mental health began in this Country up to the time when his department was formed.

Leg. Stewart-Cousins questioned the definition of mental health and whether "addicts" are included. The Commissioner answered that primarily all state aid was used for mental health and there was no conception of drug and alcohol work and especially no conception of developmental disabilities and mental retardation. Nowadays, this area has grown to include both.

Leg. Stewart-Cousins questioned the number of people the system served. The Commissioner explained that the system itself, not just the County, serves about 22,000 every month. This number is not to be multiplied by 12 months, since it is the same clients. These are the same clients because methadone programs last several years. Leg. Stewart-Cousins questioned whether therapy was administered along with the distribution of the methadone. The Commissioner answered yes. He further explained how methadone is a synthetic opiate developed by the German Army during the second World War. Methadone has similar cross-properties from other opiates. Due to the cross-properties, a person on methadone is satiated for opiates, and although addicted to the methadone, that person is not narcotized. Hence, a person’s phsyco-motor reactions are normal. People using methadone are functional societal members who can attain driver licenses and jobs.

Although many patients do not have the desire to then challenge their addition to methadone, the Commissioner believes the final results are still better from a public health criminal justice viewpoint. This is a better choice since methadone users are not using street drugs, exchanging dirty needles, or overcrowding the jails.

Leg. La Motte questioned whether there was a plane of numbers which the department deals with at one time, and how much does it cost daily. The Commissioner answered approximately 2,000 county-wide and this number is towards the high point. The Commissioner could not answer what the daily cost is. He will forward that information.

Finally, Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked the Commissioner to keep the Committee informed of any areas where they might be of any assistance.

Leg. Swanson motioned to approve the minutes of July 30th, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. [2-0] Leg. La Motte was absent from the vote.

Leg. Swanson motioned to adjourned, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM