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in order to clarify that the resolution is intended to address the concerns of those whose needs are <br />not being met by the current treatment paradigm, as well as support all consumers of mental <br />health care. Overall, the subcommittee feels the degree of emphasis on medication in the <br />resolution is appropriate and reflects the concerns of mental health consumers we have spoken <br />with at our public forums and at the conference. <br /> <br />John Lipkin M.D., a psychiatrist connected with the Johnson Unit, provided the only <br />submitted,written opposition to the resolution. His concern appeared to be that encouraging <br />support for alternatives, with which he agreed in principle, may risk drawing funding away from <br />involuntary treatment and medication which he believes is necessary at times. He stated he <br />preferred to see the City make “an active effort to fund wider treatment options” encouraged in <br />this resolution. If alternatives are provided successfully, they may indeed reduce the need for <br />involuntary treatment and medications, and so the Johnson Unit in particular might experience <br />less demand for its (very expensive) services. This resolution does not conclude that support for <br />such alternatives should be considered as expressing the City’s “opposition” to the provision of <br />involuntary treatment or medication in cases where that may be found to be necessary. <br /> <br />Finally, one individual, Jeanne Schultz of Oregon Family Support Network, suggested a variety <br />of small changes to the resolution. The subcommittee reviewed these proposed changes and <br />included a number of them. <br /> <br />In conclusion, the Subcommittee on Mental Health and Human Rights feels it has carefully <br />considered community input on this issue and has incorporated that input to a great degree. We <br />feel this resolution provides a historic opportunity for the City of Eugene to express leadership in <br />supporting human rights for one of the most disenfranchised and stigmatized populations in our <br />time, those labeled mentally ill. Your vote in favor of this resolution, while inspirational and <br />symbolic, will help empower individuals and groups working to improve the mental health <br />system and working to provide recovery to those who are currently marginalized. Thank you for <br />your consideration of this important issue! <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Ron Unger LCSW <br />Mental Health and Human Rights Subcommittee Member <br /> <br />