Belmont County Supports Mental Health

Wheeling News Register (Wheeling, WV): Voters in Belmont County voted in favor of a countywide issue Tuesday related to mental health services. In an unofficial count, 11,628 people voted in favor of the Belmont County Mental Health Recovery Board renewal $ 1.5 million levy for Mental Health & Addiction Services, while 7,517 people voted against it. The measure will last for 10 years and begin next year. Funds from this renewal levy are expected to help pay for mental health and addiction services for those who cannot afford it on their own. Linda Pickenpaugh, director of the county Mental Health and Recovery Board, said Tuesday night the renewal of the levy will provide $950,000 a year, which accounts for 10 percent of the service budget. "Even though it was a renewal, we couldn't take a chance in this environment. ... It isn't new money, but it will help us maintain service at the current level."