St. Tammany's Shocking $600K Cut: Will Safe Haven Close its Doors Forever?

In an alarming move for mental health advocates, the St. Tammany Parish Council has proposed a cut of $600,000 to the Safe Haven facility located near Mandeville, Louisiana. The decision comes amid a projected budget deficit estimated between $20 million and $30 million for the parish, prompting discussions on potential cuts across various departments.

Established thirteen years ago as a replacement for the now-defunct Southeast Louisiana Hospital, Safe Haven has become a critical resource for individuals seeking mental health treatment in the region. However, with the council’s recent amendment, the future of this facility appears increasingly uncertain. As budget hearings unfold, concerns intensify regarding the implications of these cuts on mental health services.

During the budget discussions, council members have also voted to forgo raises for all employees in the coming year. Councilmember Cheryl Tanner explained, “The problem was we don’t know what our insurance costs are going to be.” This uncertainty permeates the budget, affecting essential services, including funding for the district attorney’s office, courthouse security, and the local jail.

Tanner noted the harsh reality of the cuts, stating, “We cut the jail, DA and judges by 30%... we did not have the money to fund that.” Meanwhile, councilmember Arthur Laughlin expressed concerns about the parish president’s budget, advocating for a reduction of $363,000 from the general fund allocated to the parish president's office and other administrative functions.

Parish President Mike Cooper has voiced his discontent regarding these proposed cuts, arguing that they may impact positions that generate revenue for the parish. “I was surprised when I received this budget amendment,” Cooper remarked. However, Laughlin pointedly replied, “With all due respect Mr. Cooper, I do not have to ask your permission or work with you if we want to make cuts.” This exchange highlights the tension between the council and the parish president as they navigate the budget crisis.

Despite the proposed cuts, Tanner reassured the public, stating, “I’m not going to say it will be shut down... we have funds... we have six months.” She hopes that these discussions will spur a broader conversation about the long-term future of Safe Haven. Richard Kramer from the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority emphasized the urgency, saying, “The need in our community is greater than it’s ever been for behavioral health needs.”

As the parish continues to grapple with its financial troubles, a committee has been instituted to evaluate all parish spending to address these chronic deficits and prioritize spending. President Cooper has also instituted a hiring freeze on all vacant positions to help curb expenses.

Looking ahead, the budget for the year 2026 remains a work in progress, with additional hearings scheduled before the year concludes. The outcomes of these discussions will have lasting implications for mental health services in St. Tammany Parish, a community already facing escalating needs in behavioral health.

In summary, as the St. Tammany Parish Council considers budget cuts, the potential impact on the Safe Haven facility raises significant concerns about the future of mental health services in the region. Advocates are calling for an examination of priorities as the community navigates this challenging financial landscape.