OTTAWA — The Elizabeth Layton Center has lost nearly $250,000 this year because of state cuts in money for community health centers. Diane Drake, of the Layton Center, told Franklin County Commissioners Monday that the center has had to freeze hiring and consolidate positions because of the cuts. T the center may have to lay off two staffers soon and increase the price it charges for alcohol and drug treatment, she said. At a time when the center is seeing its state funds cut, the center is seeing more people with more severe mental and emotional problems because of the poor economy, Drake said. The Layton Center provides mental health services for Franklin and Miami counties and the cuts have been made equally between the two counties, she said.
