HEARNES ON MENTAL HEALTH PANEL

Former State Rep. Betty C. Hearnes of Charleston was appointed Wednesday to a position on Missouri Mental Health Commission by Gov. Mel Carnahan.

"I'm extremely pleased to appoint Betty. She is a proven leader," said Carnahan. "Her experience as a state representative and expertise on mental health issues make her a logical choice for this position."

The commission, which has seven members serving four-year terms, is responsible for the overall operations of the Department of Mental Health, its three operating divisions, five support offices, 32 facilities and central office.

By law the commission must have representation from specific areas that includes physicians, consumer advocates, and business experts. Commissioners serve as the principal policy advisers to the department director. They serve without pay and are provided a per-diem allowance for meetings.

Hearnes will replace Gerald Nesbit of Farmington, whose term expired.

Commission members must be confirmed by the Senate, and next Wednesday Hearnes will appear before the gubernatorial appointments committee.

The appointment will be sponsored by her state senator, Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau. Hearnes was the Democratic nominee in the Senate race against Kinder in 1992.

In a letter to John Beakley Tuesday, who oversees appointments for Carnahan, Kinder endorsed the appointment of Hearnes.

"Mrs. Hearnes is a hard worker who takes great pride in what she does," Kinder wrote. "I believe she will be a valuable asset to the Mental Health Commission."

Hearnes, 66, served as a representative from the 160th district of Scott and Mississippi Counties for 10 years, and she is the wife of former Gov. Warren Hearnes. She also served as chairman of the Missouri Democratic State Committee in 1987, and in 1988 was the Democratic nominee for governor.

Hearnes is president of the Autism Society of Missouri, vice chairman of the Southeast Missouri Autism Center, and a charter member of the Mental Health Committee in Southeast Missouri. She presently serves on the board of directors for the Bootheel Counseling Center and previously served on the board of the Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Center in Sikeston.

She has a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a school teacher. Recently, Hearnes completed a course of study at the Judevine Center in St. Louis for teaching autistic children.