Report: SC mental health funding cut most deeply

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A new report says South Carolina’s spending to treat mental illness has been cut more drastically than in any other state over the past several years.

A report released Thursday by the National Alliance on Mental Illness says the state made cuts of more than 39 percent since fiscal year 2009. The Alliance says the state’s mental health budget has gone from around $187 million to under $114 million during that time.

Overall, NAMI says states have cut $1.6 billion in general funds from their state mental health agency budgets for mental health services since fiscal year 2009 while demand for such services increased significantly.

NAMI advocates restoring spending cuts and improving data collection.