South Carolina Mental Health Closing Centers, Giving Furloughs

By: The Associated Press | News Channel 7
Published: December 02, 2008

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The South Carolina Mental Health Department will cut 21 jobs and let 29 contract and temporary workers go at mental health centers to deal with steep budget cuts.

The agency said Tuesday it will also leave 111 positions unfilled at the 17 centers.

Remaining employees will have to take five days off without pay to help the agency make up a $26 million budget cut.

The department is closing or eliminating six regional centers and is getting rid of 75 beds at mental facilities and drug treatment facilities.

The agency has also stopped nonessential travel and is buying virtually no new equipment or vehicles.

Director John Magill says he worries more cuts are coming and is planning further cost-cutting measures.

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