HARRISBURG, April 1, 2008 - State Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) today introduced legislation that would mandate the use of money generated from the sale of Mayview State Hospital in Bridgeville, Allegheny County, for other community mental health facilities and services.

“With the impending closure of Mayview State Hospital, it is important that the state legislature redirect the funds from the sale to other mental health care facilities,” Ferlo said.  “Every dollar from this sale should help those who rely on mental health care services.

“I want to ensure when a facility closes there is appropriate funding for housing, mental health services, transportation, and the other necessary care to ensure that we are taking care of these individuals.”

Under the Ferlo proposal, proceeds from the sale of any mental health or mental retardation facility would be deposited into one of two newly created accounts, the Mental Health Community Services Account or the Mental Retardation Community Services Account.  A similar bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Ferlo said the Mayview State Hospital sale proceeds would be deposited into the Mental Health Community Services Account. 

At Ferlo’s request, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee is holding a hearing this Thursday, April 3 in Pittsburgh to discuss the impact of the closure of Mayview State Hospital on the facility’s patients and staff.

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Pittsburgh City Council Chambers, 5th Floor of the City County Building, 414 Grant Street.

Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman is expected to testify.

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