Missouri: Mental Illness Stops Here
The great state of Missouri (well, I'm guessing it's great; I've never been there) has been chosen to host a mental health initiative in the correctional system there. This is a good thing, because our mental health system fails people over and over again, and they get stuck in prison instead of in treatment facilities. Did you know that 16 percent of incarcerated people in this country are seriously mentally ill? Ugh.
From the Springfield News-Leader:
Missouri Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff will lead the statewide task force, according to a state news release. “There are thousands of persons with mental illnesses incarcerated in our state prisons, and there are thousands more on probation and parole who need mental health treatment,” Wolff said. “We believe this initiative will enhance Missouri’s efforts to reverse the worsening effects of mental illness by enabling the state’s three branches of government to formalize a strategic plan to help offenders deal with their illnesses and become more productive members of society.”
[Image of Missouri state flag from the Missouri State Archives.]
Comments
I'm surprised you haven't written about the Newsweek cover story this week. Will you write about it?
Posted by: Ned Vizzini | February 26, 2007 04:13 PM
I did write about it on Feb. 21. Here's the link: http://trouble.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2007/02/newsweek_cover.html
Also, today's First Person, Singular is partly a response to that, though it addresses much more.
Posted by: Liz | February 26, 2007 04:21 PM
Dear Liz,
I hope you are doing fine.
By the way, I am not surprised that the state of Missouri is about to start a mental health initiative, since it is a very well developed state in every area (at least, from my point of view and personal experience there).
Missouri has a high level in education and healthcare as well as in security, prices, etc.
I love Missouri, particularly Saint Louis which I consider a beautiful city not only for visiting it, but also for planning a life there, especially if you have children.
My best from Buenos Aires, Argentina :)
Raquel Barbieri
Posted by: Raquel Barbieri | February 26, 2007 07:47 PM
I find it difficult to get excited about blue (or any other color) ribbon commissions, task forces, special reports, strategic plans and visions, transformation statements, and the like for the purpose of addressing mental health issues. They often identify the underlying problems and propose necessary solutions yet more frequently fail to engender the requisite nexus of words and deeds. Let's hope it is different this time.
"Deeds, not words shall speak to me." John Fletcher, English dramatist (1579 - 1625)
Posted by: Joe | February 27, 2007 12:13 PM