Establishing interactive video conferencing will save High Plains Mental Health in travel and other expenses as the agency copes with state funding cuts. The Ellis County Commission received a demonstration of the system Monday night. High Plains Director Walt Hill says use of technology is becoming a necessity to evaluate patients and prisoners long distance.

High Plains plans to purchase twenty units for $1,000 a piece to place in sheriff’s departments in outlying counties. Some counties have said they’ll use the system already in place at their local hospital.

Since the agency is located in Hays, services inEllisCountywill remain the same.