AL's mental health funding questioned after CT shootings | News

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- One of the most talked about topics since the attack at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut is Adam Lanza's mental health.

The attack has led some Alabamians to have questions about Alabama's Department of Mental Health.

A report states Alabama cut the second highest percentage of funds of any state's mental health budget between 2009 and 2012.

The ADMH provided the 2011 fiscal year budget. It shows the department had nearly $900-million at their disposal. It sounds like a lot of money, but according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Alabama cut 36 percent to their general fund mental health budgets between 2009 and 2012.

The only state that cut more was South Carolina.

"I'm often contacted by family members who have a family member that they're terrified of, and it seems as if there's no place to put them," said Alabama State Representative Mike Ball.

Ball expects to see some legislation that is sparked from the Newtown attack this year in Montgomery.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health didn't want to comment because they said they're still waiting to hear more details about the Connecticut attack.  

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