an E-mail to David Cornwell from Debra Dihoff  - August 24, 2007

The Commission for MHDDSAS last Thursday August l6 made a decision to change a rule that will now permit Division officials to restrict smoking outdoors at all the Division facilities (Developmental Centers, Psychiatric Centers, Neuro-Medical Centers).  Currently, smoking is already disallowed inside these state operated facilities.  There is a trend nationally due to health considerations to limit smoking in all public facilities.  This year Representative Holliman introduced legislation, which narrowly failed, to restrict smoking in all restaurants in NC.   

Data from the morbidity and mortality report indicates that people with severe mental illnesses lose 25 years off of their life expectancy, in part at least due to the common nature of smoking among those with mental illness.  The health considerations therefore are real, but just as real is this abrupt change to the individuals’ right to smoke, a right of all Americans.  While it may make good health sense to start to impact on the smoking behaviors of long term residents, does it really make sense to impose this rule on those who may only be spending 72 hours in a state operated facility?

 The real question here is on the process that took place last week.  Although the importance of meaningful input from families and consumers has been a cornerstone of reform, the state CFAC was not consulted about obtaining their input into this decision.  And they more than anyone might have had the personal experience to be able to share and consider before a precipitous decision was made.  Why didn’t Division staff bother to get their input?  Were local CFACS and were human rights committees at the state institutions asked for input as well before the vote?  Was that input shared with the Commission of MHDDSAS? 

These are the questions we should all be asking.

 It’s not over till it’s over- there will be a public comment period.  Let’s get ready to be heard.