Problems in address mental health issues was one topic of discussion when county commissioners from various central Kansas counties met in Ottawa last night.

Ben Bennett, Geary County Commission Chairman, noted the counties have the same problems on that issue, “shortage of funds, meeting the needs of especially the number of people who we have in our county jails who really should be in a mental health institution.”

To continue to address the situation Bennett noted steps include to lobby and work with the legislators, “talk with our legislators and make sure they were aware of the problem. Hopefully in the future something can be done at the state level to reopen or take care of providing sources of funding for it.”

The representatives from the different counties meet periodically to discuss issues.