To the editor:

Gene Meyer, CEO of Lawrence Memorial Hospital, was quoted in the Nov. 29 story, “LMH ready to embark on expansion projects,” as saying, “there are growth opportunities that we can capture,” referring to the plan to purchase more than 20 acres of property along Kansas Highway 10. When will there be an in-patient mental health facility?

What does it take to convince LMH that inpatient mental health care dollars should remain in Lawrence, and not go to Topeka or Kansas City?

The convenience of having a baby in Lawrence, or undergoing cancer treatment in Lawrence (both of which I have done now, twice) means a lot, when you live in Lawrence (which I do).

But, what about the person needing inpatient mental health care?

I know it’s all about dollars but I continue to believe that what makes LMH a wonderful facility is what they do, in spite of the dollars. There is not a price tag high enough for the level of care I’ve always received. Gene Meyer and the board of directors could truly meet the needs of Lawrence by taking a chance and providing inpatient care to our most vulnerable citizens. That kind of growth is what truly needs to be captured.

Rose Eiesland Foster,

Lawrence