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Mental Health Perspectives from Two Political Figures
Did you know that nearly half of those killed by police carry some form of disability? According to the Ruderman Family Foundation, a group advocating for disabilities, the intersection of mental health and law enforcement is alarmingly common. Experts like historian David Perry and disability advocate Lawrence Long point out that police often serve as the first responders to mental health crises. A tragic example is the case of Jake Rivers, a former military member who lost his life during a police encounter in 2015. Jake, who battled bipolar disorder and was off his medication at the time, was unarmed and naked when the police arrived. The officer involved faced indictment, but stories like Jake’s highlight the urgent need for mental health reform in America.
As Hillary noted back in August, it’s crucial that we ensure future generations have access to quality mental health care—free from stigma and barriers. The Kim Foundation reports that about 26.2% of American adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder each year, translating to an astonishing 57.7 million individuals. Many of these individuals also grapple with issues like addiction, homelessness, or chronic health problems.
Hillary’s Approach to Mental Health
Hillary’s approach includes prioritizing early mental health detection, focusing on postpartum depression, childhood trauma, and stress. She aims to boost funding for identifying behavioral issues in schools and pediatric offices, and will encourage colleges to implement comprehensive mental health programs. Additionally, she plans to roll out a nationwide suicide prevention initiative, engaging various agencies and emphasizing support for LGBT students and students of color.
Moreover, Hillary advocates for integrating mental and physical health care systems to treat the “whole person” and expanding community-based services. Mental health support will be made available in general healthcare settings, and efforts will be made to increase the number of mental health professionals. In a bid to potentially save lives like Jake Rivers’, she supports diverting low-level, nonviolent offenders away from jail and into treatment, along with training law enforcement on crisis intervention for those with mental illnesses.
Donald Trump’s Strategy for Mental Health
On the other hand, Donald Trump’s strategy for mental health involves “reforming our mental health programs and institutions”—though what that means remains unclear. He believes families often lack resources to assist their loved ones and calls for bipartisan support for legislative reforms. He also has plans to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which could have implications for mental health services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding mental health in America is vital, and both candidates present starkly different approaches to addressing this pressing issue. For more information on how to navigate your own health journey, you can check out resources like this excellent article related to pregnancy and home insemination, or explore this insightful post on our other blog.