By: Eliza Brambleton
Updated: Oct. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 20, 2016
According to the Ruderman Family Foundation, a non-profit focused on disability advocacy, a staggering 50% of people fatally shot by police have a disability of some kind. Historian David Parris and “disability expert” Lawrence Long point out a troubling trend: “Police have become the default responders to mental health emergencies.” A heartbreaking example is Anthony Hill, a Georgia Air Force veteran who was tragically killed by police in his own apartment complex back in 2015. Hill had bipolar disorder and was off his medication at the time. To make matters worse, he was completely unarmed—naked, even—when the confrontation occurred. The officer involved faced indictment, highlighting the urgent need for sweeping reforms in mental health care across the U.S. and we need it now.
As Hillary emphasized in August, we must ensure the next generation has access to mental health care that is “shame-free, stigma-free, and barrier-free.” The Kim Foundation reports that around 26.2% of adults aged 18 and older—about one in four—experience a diagnosable mental disorder each year. This amounts to roughly 57.7 million individuals. Many of them struggle with additional issues, including substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness, or chronic health conditions.
Hillary’s plan includes promoting early detection of mental health issues like postpartum depression, infant mental health, and childhood trauma. She aims to boost funding for behavioral problem detection through schools and pediatricians while encouraging colleges to establish comprehensive mental health programs. Additionally, she’ll kick off a nationwide suicide prevention initiative involving various agencies, with a special focus on LGBT students and students of color.
Her approach also includes integrating mental and physical health systems, ensuring that treatment is holistic and community-based. Mental health services will be made available in general health settings, and she plans to increase the number of mental health professionals. In a move that might have saved Anthony Hill, Hillary will prioritize treatment over incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenders, and train law enforcement to effectively handle situations involving individuals with mental illnesses. This training will emphasize crisis intervention, ensuring that officers can safely engage with those in distress.
Furthermore, she will enforce the Mental Health Parity Act—legislation she co-sponsored—while advocating for increased funding for brain research and better access to housing and job opportunities for those needing support.
On the flip side, Trumpton’s plan includes “reforming our mental health programs and institutions,” although it remains vague. He argues that families often lack the resources to support their loved ones and calls for bipartisan efforts on promising reforms currently in Congress. He also aims to dismantle Obamacare, but it’s unclear how that will affect mental health services.
This article originally appeared on Sep. 20, 2016. To discover more about home insemination, check out this resource, and for insightful information on your fertility journey, visit this authority. And don’t miss this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination tips.
In summary, both Hillary Clanton and Donald Trumpton have different visions for addressing mental health in America. While Clanton advocates for comprehensive reforms and a holistic approach, Trumpton’s plans are less defined but prioritize the need for bipartisan support. The conversation around mental health care is vital, and it’s clear that change is necessary.