In a powerful call for action, families affected by severe mental illness are demanding a shift in our approach to mental health care. The tragic story of Jerri Clark's son, Calvin, highlights the devastating consequences of a broken system. Calvin's journey from a promising boy to a homeless, arrested individual, and ultimately his untimely death, is a stark reminder of the failures in our current system.
The Criminalization of Mental Illness
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way our society has inadvertently criminalized mental illness. The phrase "he'll have to get much sicker" is a damning indictment of a system that waits for tragedy to strike before offering help. It's a system that, in my opinion, prioritizes punishment over prevention and support.
A Broken Safety Net
District Attorney Sim Gill's symposium sheds light on the criminal justice system's role as a safety net for those with severe mental illness. This is a system that, by its very nature, is ill-equipped to handle such complex issues. When we rely on 911 calls as the primary response, we're failing to address the root causes and instead treating symptoms.
The Need for Early Intervention
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of early intervention. Families like Clark's are advocating for "treatment before tragedy." This means providing access to case management, employment services, peer support, and housing. By offering these supports early on, we can prevent individuals from falling into the criminal justice system.
Treating Mental Illness with Humanity
Sherri Wittwer, head of the Utah Coalition for Severe Mental Illness, emphasizes the need to treat mental illness with humanity. Delayed treatment, as Wittwer points out, can have devastating consequences. We must build a system that recognizes the urgency and complexity of severe mental illness and provides the necessary support and collaboration.
A Systemic Issue
The issue here is not just about individual stories, but a systemic failure. As Gill mentions, police shootings involving mentally ill individuals are far too common. Yet, we must remember that these individuals are not inherently criminal; they are sick and in need of help. It's a failure of our society to recognize and address mental health issues before they escalate.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, the stories shared at the symposium are a powerful reminder of the human cost of our broken mental health system. It's time to shift our focus from punishment to prevention, from criminalization to compassion. We must advocate for laws and systems that treat mental illness with the urgency and respect it deserves. Only then can we hope to prevent more tragedies like Calvin's.
