Between 250,000 individuals with schizophrenia or manic-depressive illness are homeless among the 744,000 homeless population (total homeless population statistic based on data from a 2007 national survey- which is the most recent we could find). These 250,000 individuals are equivalent to the population of such cities as Dayton, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Providence, Rhode Island; Richmond, Virginia; or Salt Lake City, Utah. Pictured here: A homeless man (with symptoms of severe mental illness and depression) lays on his mattress on the floor at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) in Central Phoenix, Arizona. In Arizona the numbers of mentally ill people “not receiving help” of any kind numbers in the tens of thousands…many will end up in jail or prison unless they get the help they desperately need. Magellan – the mental health service provider for the State of Arizona is literally “swamped” by the numbers of individuals seeking services. They routinely deny people with serious mental illness on a regular basis – as a matter of policy – especially as the state continues to under-fund health care and mental health services services to the community. State officials in Arizona argue that its not their responsibility to treat people who are mentally ill and uninsured – that it is a federal government problem and they need more funding. Its a “pass the buck, point the finger, blame someone else for our problems” way of addressing the issue. Pathetic inexcusable – are some of the terms I use to describe the attitude of state and local officials in dealing with the problem.
On October 24, 2013 Rep. Charles Rangel of New York addressed the United States House of Representatives on the extremely important issue of mental health awareness in America.
His comments are as follows:
“Mr. Speaker, mental health is a core part of our overall wellness. A commitment to a positive state of mental health is an essential part of keeping happy and healthy. I applaud the efforts of our nation’s mental health advocates who are working hard to promote National Mental Health Awareness Week. Serious emotional and mental health disorders are real and treatable–and awareness is what makes that treatment possible.”
“Our need to address mental health affects every family. There are so many individuals deeply in distress who need someone to reach out to them. That is why I am a proud member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, a bi-partisan caucus dedicated to promoting education and awareness of mental health issues. We here in Congress need to do our part to reduce the stigma surrounding those who are suffering, as well as increasing the availability of mental health services to people who need them”, he said.
However, real mental health care starts at home. There are tragic losses that may never have occurred, if certain individuals had better resources to improving their mental health. If friends and families were better able to recognize symptoms of mental distress and act to help their loved ones in need, we could prevent certain incidents that cause great harm to the individual and to the society-at-large. The support of one’s community can be paramount in helping to improve the mental health of our nation. I commend the outstanding work of our community organizations in addressing this problem. Organizations such as the Union Settlement Association, and their Johnson Counseling Center have served the Harlem area since 1895 and promote treatment and awareness for New Yorkers suffering from psychological distress. Other groups such as the New York State Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services, the New York Mental Health Assessment Partnership, and the Children’s Aid Society can all serve as models to us for the future. I encourage everyone to support such groups’ efforts so that they can better serve our communities, and do away with any stigma attached to acknowledging a disorder and seeking help”, said Rep. Rangel of New York (source: Congressional Record http://thomas.loc.gov).
Rep Rangel is chair of one of the oldest and arguably the most powerful Committee in the House of Representatives, the Ways and Means Committee.
Needless to say he is one of the most influential, outspoken and prominent members of Congress to ever address this particular issue.