The Op-Ed Genre

Ocassionally I will find time to read an op-ed article in Mansfield’s local newspaper, ‘The News Journal.’ Opinon Editorial’s are great! Even if I don’t share the same opinion with the author, I can always take something away. Wether it is a bad attitude, a roll of the eyes, or a fit of rage. Not really, but seriously all these things give light to creativity and new ideas. That said, sometimes I find myself skeptical of the people writing these articles. The biggest question, who is giving the thumbs up for publication? I’m not saying that I would do any better, but come on. Yes, it is Mansfield, Ohio but don’t we deserve better writers for our newspaper? Where do they get these people? 

Advocating for Mental Health

The most logical solution to solving the mental ill crisis in America will lye in advocates and government officials. A surprising realization perhaps brings forth an underlying truth. Until August of 2007 the words idiot, imbecile, and lunatic still appeared in Ohio’s Revised Code. In an age of endless knowledge, there seems to be no excuse for such degrading labels. Fortunately, a much needed step was taken, thanks to NAMI Ohio (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Advocates won the needed signatures that replaced such terms the Ohio Revised Code, but the fact that it was not until last year is troubling. The decision to neglect improper terms shows that we think of these so called ‘lunatics’ as real people. Unfortunately, the outcome of a recent budget cut seems to contradict NAMI’s success. In attempt to reduce a projected budget deficit, Governor Strickland’s decision to close two of Ohio’s mental health hospitals comes as no surprise, and it makes the decision to use more appropriate labels a far cry from respect.

For years, mentally ill people have shown signs of having a violent nature. The risk of violence is increased when patients use alcohol and other drugs, and fail to take proper medications. Deinstitutionalization rates were calculated based on the United States population in 1994, and the outcome is scary. In 1955 about 558,239 people were patients in public mental health hospital, by 1994 that number had shrunk to 71,619. With more and more mentally ill people on the streets, I think it’s safe to question who the real lunatics are. Realistically, suffers of mental disorders are unable to speak out for themselves. It seems that advocates are their only voice. Our communities suffer when lawmakers and budget cutters choose to target this not so powerful group. NAMI suggests that anyone can be an advocate for mental health awareness. Change cannot solely depend on politicians. Families and communities will have to speak up.

NAMI’s Assertive Community Treatment program, or ACT, has shown a high rate of success. ACT describes itself as a ‘highly effective team-based model of providing comprehensive and flexible treatment and support to individuals who live with serious mental illness’. The organization is committed to helping people with severe mental illness that have not been helped by other programs. Published results from several forensic ACT programs show lower rates of arrests, days spent in jail, and hospitalizations. Eighty-five percent fewer hospital days means a saving of nine hundred and seventeen thousand dollars. When middle class Americans are not covered by private insurance, medical costs are put on the state, criminal justice system, or people go without necessary treatment. NAMI says that ‘The legislature’s inaction on parity comes with a price.’ Organizations such as NAMI’s ACT are beneficial to saving money because it lessens unexpected hospital visits, and reduces the amount of mentally ill people in jail.

To focus on Ohio alone, we are doing pretty good. Recently, Ohio made the ACT program a reimbursable service under Medicaid, and Strickland has nurtured a better understanding of mental health courts by supporting criminal diversion programs. However, the governors current proposal is to supply affordable energy to Ohioans, create rewarding jobs, and have a safer and cleaner environment. He says ‘[t]he right choices in fulfilling this responsibility can make us leaders to our nation’s journey to energy independence and economic prosperity’. I think NAMI would agree with me that, as long as he shares some of that wealth with mental health care, we’ll let him slide.

My Research Project

My research project is about the current dilemma involving mentally ill prisoners. Many of these people are subject to the same standards as non-mentally ill criminals, making their rehabilitation near impossible. In prison, mentally ill people are often brutalized by staff and fellow inmates that causes their current state to worsen. Some that are placed in solitary confinement end up committing suicide. If a mentally ill prisoner reaches the end of their sentence they are released back into the community only to wind up back in a correctional facility. The problem continues to grow due to a lack of advocates. Change relies on other people because the mentally ill are often unable to speak out for themselves. I hope to examine this issue and offer solutions to the problem.