Records Missing From State Mental Health Department

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation officials say records containing patient information have gone missing.

Index cards with patients' names, social security numbers and birthdates were recently discovered missing at Greil Hospital in Montgomery.

The department's investigation bureau is looking into the matter and sending letters to affected individuals.

Commissioner John Houston said in a Friday statement that there is a zero tolerance for policy violations that might have led to the missing cards. He said any criminal activity will be vigorously prosecuted.

The department has set up a call center and individuals can learn more about the situation by calling 1-866-577-7269 or going to its web site at www.mh.alabama.gov.