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There are two reasons that Health & Human Services supports the creation of an IRTS facility in Elk River. One <br />reason is financial. In 2017, Sherburne County paid $71,000 for patients who no longer met hospitalization <br />criteria at a state hospital but had nowhere to go. In 2018, that number grew to $149,000. Having an IRTS <br />facility in Elk River would reduce or eliminate these payments. Without an IRTS in Elk River, Sherburne <br />County is very likely to spend more in this category. There are also costs in time and money for case <br />managers to drive to distant locations to visit their clients. All of these costs are supported by County levy <br />dollars. <br />A local IRTS facility would bring new jobs to the community. Money would be spent on food and services. A <br />remodel of the Masonic Lodge would increase its value and taxes paid. <br />The other reason to support an IRTS facility in Elk River is the "human" reason. All people deserve to receive <br />treatment in or near their home community. An IRTS placement lasts a maximum of 90 days. The client has to <br />establish relationships with medical and treatment providers near where they live. When they return to their <br />home community, they will need to start over with new medical and treatment providers. It is also difficult to <br />find housing in a community if the person is living far away. <br />The people who would live in an IRTS in Elk River are Sherburne County residents or residents of nearby <br />counties. They are our children, family members, neighbors and friends. The stigma surrounding mental <br />health has lessened over the past 10-20 years, but it has not disappeared. Having an IRTS facility in Elk River <br />would, over time, help to educate the community about mental health. <br />Finally, I would like to reiterate that my staff has only heard good things about ResCare IRTS facilities from <br />the staff of other counties. We have been more than satisfied with the services provided when one of our <br />clients has been placed in a ResCare facility. Since the December 17 meeting, I have suggested to ResCare <br />that they consider establishing a neighborhood council, should the facility be approved. Sherburne County <br />Health & Human Services could send a representative to this council. This would provide another level of <br />monitoring. <br />If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at _ or 763-765- <br />4055. <br />Sincerely, <br />-tet.& L)� <br />MaryJo C«bb, MSW <br />Director <br />