Thanks so much to Jean Mays for sharing her story with us. Jean, I wish you all the best. Keep us posted. You're in our thoughts.

I am a newcomer to this site and am deeply moved by your coverage of Christina Eilman [pictured]. I have been too busy involved in my 22 year old son's care, and a career serving the mentally ill, to update myself on the details of Christina's case.

I was familiar with similar details, however. My then 21-year-old son suffered his first psychotic break during the Summer of 2005, and was arrested. I went to the new Cabrini Green police station and advised the officers of his newly diagnosed bipolar illness, and that I wanted to transport him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital upon his release. I was emphatically urged not to wait, in this sparkling new lobby designed without chairs to discourage family members and friends from waiting. I live about 4 blocks to the north, and I reluctantly went home. Fortunately, my son walked up my sidewalk about a 1/2 hour later and asked to go to the hospital.

I just used your link to share my story with City officials. My story does not have a happy ending, but does not come near the tragedy suffered by Christina's family and by countless others who need critical medical care in a life threatening situation. I implored the City to send more officers to the mental health training. I thanked the female officer who sensitively took the first call from the family. I trust this issue is being thoroughly considered given the lawsuit and media attention. Too bad it usually takes a tragedy to get any machine to respond to the needs of its citizens.