Some time ago, the powers-that-be decided to de-institutionalize psychiatric hospitals; as a result, the mentally ill were simply discharged into the community. Was this a well-thought-out plan? Not really. Did the system and the powers-that-be provide adequate housing, shelter and crisis-support services for these people? Not really. A few group homes were built, but often they were little more than living quarters for six to eight people. A good part of the mentally ill ended up on the streets, living under bridges, surviving as best they could.

The older psychiatric hospitals were not the greatest, but at least they provided a roof over their heads, food, medication and some structure; with de-institutionalization, the mentally ill were thrust into the jungle. Of course, crime increased, and for some, jails became home. It wasn’t their fault, they weren’t really criminals, just alone, afraid and lacking support. People in the criminal justice system also did the best they could, but it wasn’t their fault: They had never been trained as mental-health specialists.

Finally, the state said: We will offer them hope through another system. Community mental-health centers were born. Colleges offered education for those who wanted to be caregivers. At that time, I continued my education and began a career in the mental-health field that now spans 20 years.

When I first began working in the field, some of the lives of those I served had become unmanageable and they had lost the ability to be productive members of society. They faced mental-health disabilities, sometimes compounded by health ailments, substance-abuse issues, trauma and physical disabilities. The mental-health centers provided them with an individualized, respectful and therapeutic support system, which allowed them to function again in their lives. Wow – a system that actually worked.

I’ve seen a lot of success stories to prove that. What a feeling it gave me knowing that I had made a difference in someone’s life. I remember working with a person who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. I worked with him and before my eyes his life turned around. Some people say “that’s not my problem” or “those things will never happen to me,” then, one day, the rug gets pulled out from under them and they are faced with similar chaos, loss and disaster.

A few weeks ago, I saw Gov. Baldacci on the news, sitting among a group of people with disabilities. The gist of the news item was that Gov. Baldacci supports people with disabilities. After seeing it, I felt a bit confused. How can Gov. Baldacci support people with disabilities on the one hand, and, on the other, seek to cut the funds that provide mental-health services? If he can’t walk the walk, he should not talk the talk.

If this resonates within you, please stand up and be heard. Contact your representative and stop the effort to cut mental-health services before it’s too late. The mentally ill are counting on you. Please, no more broken promises.

Cindy Reed has worked in the mental health field for more than 20 years.