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Jail reform must address mental health, substance dependence
Though it is too often ignored in the criminal justice reform dialogue, treating the mentally ill and drug addicted as patients instead of criminals should be a focal point for reform.
Groups join in condemnation of bill to repeal, replace Obamacare
As the U.S. Senate mulls over the Republicans’ health care bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act, local opponents are crying foul on behalf of a variety of people facing cuts to their Medicaid coverage.
Groups propose mental health database
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission and several lawyers are laying the groundwork for a database to keep track of people who are under court-ordered mental-health treatment, a tool for police and judges.
Keep the momentum moving forward
Over the past nearly six years, I’ve witnessed a system of care that is making progress. There are still aspects of the service delivery that I think need continued, focused work; but, much forward momentum has been achieved, and the people served are benefitting. The key point here is that things are moving in the right direction.
Integrated care is happening for Maricopa County’s mentally ill
As a physician on the front lines of the public behavioral health system in Maricopa County, I see lives being positively impacted every day thanks to a highly functioning, integrated system of care.
Innovative approach pinpoints solutions to mental health issues
Just like diabetes and hypertension, mental illness is an ailment that is treatable — and if untreated can cause morbidity and mortality.
Time to reshape our country’s spending priorities
I was surprised to learn from the Friends Committee on National Legislation that 37 cents of every dollar we pay in federal income taxes goes to pay for current and past wars. At the same time, education, diplomacy, and help to the nearly 100 million people living in poverty in this country get only pennies on every dollar.
Arizona lawmaker cancels bulletproof vest demo
An Arizona lawmaker invited a bulletproof vest retailer to do a demonstration at the state Capitol but canceled the event on Monday after a legislative lawyer advised him that making a sales pitch to lawmakers on state property was improper.
Interim settlement OK’d in AZ mental health case
State officials on Thursday reached an interim settlement with plaintiffs in a decades-old court case over the adequacy of Arizona's community-based services for the seriously mentally ill.
Budget cuts to behavioral health devastate the most vulnerable
Too often, we forget that people with mental illnesses are all around us, trying their best to work hard and lead productive lives. That’s why it was a privilege last month to celebrate Mental Illness Awareness Week, a perfect time for Arizonans to remember our friends and neighbors who are suffering from behavioral health issues.
