It hasn't been easy. It takes forever. In the coming months, Riddle says he may try to reduce the number of local mental health offices and take tighter control of their finances and operations. He also may push for smaller state hospitals used for specialized treatment. Though he acknowledges the state has little money to spare, he says he wants to ask the governor and the legislature for more, especially to support mentally ill children.
Riddle wants to station mental health professionals in public schools, like South Carolina does.
He also wants to find more money for substance abuse services, and community-based housing for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled. Karen Andrews, director of area mental health for Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland counties, says the mental health community should give Riddle time to do the job right. I want to give him a chance. Now is the time for some decisive, long-term leadership.