Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 12, 1991 TAG: 9104120933
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A/6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
It is important for Virginians and all citizens to be aware of issues involved in planning for the treatment of the elderly and the chronically mentally ill. The need to inform the public about the complexity of these required services becomes even more important when costs of providing health care are escalating and funds are limited.
In his accurate and well-written series, medical writer Charles Hite clearly set forth these issues. I appreciate the skill with which he portrayed the personal and human struggles of patients and families.
Mr. Hite's thoroughness in researching the impact of planning and providing services to the chronically mentally ill, particularly the elderly, is a credit to the reporting standards of your newspaper. The editors' assignment of an experienced reporter and photographer to spend considerable time and effort portraying Catawba Hospital's role in the Roanoke community and in Virginia's mental-health treatment system represents a commitment on the part of the management of the newspaper.
On behalf of all the mentally disabled Virginians that the state agency and the 40 community services boards are serving statewide, thank you for this outstanding example of responsible journalism.
LINDSAY B. WEST
BLACKSBURG
by CNB