At Issue: Should Fulton County outsource mental health services?

I live in the Oak Grove/LaVista neighborhood and would support more of our restaurants allowing well-mannered dogs in outdoor eating spaces. There is a park in my neighborhood with five eateries close by. I tried to stop by one of them recently after walking my dog in hopes of having a glass of wine on the patio before heading home. But unfortunately, I was turned away. I plan on doing an informal survey of the remaining eateries to see which ones would be open to dogs on their patios. It would have been so nice to have a glass of wine or beer with my pooch after our walk in a great neighborhood park. – Dianna Daniel

Thanks for your article. I would like to vote that owners of pets should keep them at home, and I do NOT want to see them in any businesses. – J

Let's allow dogs into more places of business. England has allowed dog owners to bring their pets into commercial establishments for decades without any visible ill effects. – Paul Kurke

Yes, it is a good idea for businesses to welcome you and your pet, as it shows a humane side to that particular business. And I would frequent those businesses who do welcome me and my pet more often. – Jo Anne Wages

Canine-friendly businesses encourage people to meet their neighbors by giving individuals the opportunity to say "Hi" to someone they might not have otherwise met. Businesses are doing more than just providing a chance to get the dog out for a walk; they're giving people reasons to meet their fellow community members. Typically, dog owners are very empathetic people, and when businesses welcome dogs, they're welcoming people who care about others. "Dog friendly" businesses also help educate the public of the importance of being respectful and courteous to one another. Isn't that what we want as a community? – Kelly Blake

I would certainly place myself on the list of “Certified Dog Lovers,” having owned (and sadly buried) several family dogs who were members of the family, just like our kids.

However, let’s get REAL. We never allowed any dog of ours in our kitchen where meals were prepared and served. Furthermore, I would not eat in any restaurant teeming with dogs that, by nature, shed, scratch, carry fleas, drool, not to mention have an exposed rectum (don’t mean to be gross). How unsanitary and unappetizing.

I see signs at the door of many restaurants: “NO BARE FEET.” I have yet to see a dog that wears shoes!

Those who just cannot bear to eat without their pooch, should dine at home.

Please publish those 92 eateries that are dog-friendly, so I can scale down my list of places to eat.

— Babs Goldberg

At it’s regular meeting Wednesday, Fulton County commissioners decided that it’s time the county stop providing mental health services to residents.

AJC reporter Arielle Kass reported that about 1,500 people go to county facilities to get help with addictins, diagnosis or therapy at cost of $3,200 per person. Fulton leaders believe they can help more people if they help fund treatment elsewhere. It has been estimated that there are 34,000 uninsured Fulton County resididents who could use mental health services. Other programs spend closer to $1,200 per person for similar services.

Under the current system, the county gets about $750,000 from the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and budgets about $10 million in county funds for mental health services.

If the county can redirect the state money, officials say they will have a better idea of the kind of care that is being provided. Currently there are no shared records among service providers and little understanding of whether or where patients are getting help. Advocates say a new way of doing things will change that.

What do you think? Will outsourcing mental health services save Fulton County money and improve the quality and quantity of care? Send comments to communitynews@ajc.com.