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 A
group of citizens, concerned about the lack of readily available
mental health services in Lincoln County, began meeting in 2000
to discuss avenues for providing such services within the County.
One of the projects of this early mental health group was to develop
a suicide prevention program for the county high schools. After
meeting together at regular intervals for several years, the group
decided to pursue the development of a permanent mental health board
for the County. Through the efforts of this group and the cooperation
of the Lincoln County Commissioners, this Board became a reality.
In 2003 the Lincoln County Commissioners established
the Lincoln County Children, Family and Mental Health Board
of Trustees, now called the Lincoln County Resource Board
(LCRB). The Trustees of the LCRB were instrumental in the acquisition
of a two-year grant, received in January of 2004 from the Missouri
Foundation for Health (MFFH) that allowed Catholic Family
Services, Crider Health Center and Preferred Family Healthcare
to provide services to children and youth at the Lincoln County
Wellness Center. After this two-year grant expired, the LCRB
provided funding to keep the Lincoln County Wellness Center in operation
until September of 2007, when funding from the Community Children’s
Services Fund became available.
The LCRB is an independent oversight board,
comprised of volunteer Trustees, that oversees the establishment,
operation and maintenance of mental health services for children,
youth and their families in Lincoln County. The LCRB also
provides leadership in the development and implementation of early
intervention, prevention and life skills programs.
The LCRB is responsive to public opinion
about the need for children and youth mental health services and
prioritizes spending decisions according to the voiced opinion of
its citizenry. Since the inception of the LCRB in 2003,
two public surveys have been conducted to solicit feedback from
Lincoln County residents. The results from these surveys were used
in making funding decisions.
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