Quote:
Originally Posted by Spencer Collins
There are many people who now walk the streets because their state's mental health program believes they are not a threat to themselves or others.In Michigan we released thousands of patients who were institutionalized in order to save revenue.Obviously..a number of these patients are a threat to society because they don't take their medication or cutbacks in mental health have limited badly needed follow up care.This situation was resolved without bloodshed,next time we may not be so lucky..  |
There are a lot better treatments (grant you it depends on the state if their available) out there now than ever before.
I am glad some of these people don't live out their lives doing the "Thorazine shuffle".
But there needs to be a better handling of mentally ill people. We have swept them under the rug for so many years, I don't know how long it will take society to accept they have an illness like diabetes or MS or any other debilitating condition.
The thing is (and I just heard something on the radio in reference to this case), they usually don't "qualify" for any help unless and until they get into the criminal justice system.
Same thing with a lot of deficiencies in personality like lack of mothering skills. Depends on the area a person lives in if they have to get thrown in jail for child abuse/neglect before the state will allow them funding for parenting classes.
It's kind of crappy cause we have all these good programs and knowledge, but nobody gets paid if the guy walks in off the street and says, "Hey, I think I'm off my nut. I need a doctor."
They'll either think he's a drug addict trying to get meds or they'll just tell him, "Sorry, we don't have anything for you."
They should be honest and just tell the guy, "We have scads of programs and wonderful medication and therapy and even a place for you to stay during treatment, but thing is, Mr. So-and-so, you'll have to get your ass thrown in jail first!"
PS, Spence. I love your new avatar!