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Attention Pennsylvania advocates See advocate testimony from the Oct. 2 Health and Welfare committee hearing on SB 226 |
Why does Pennsylvania need a better mental health treatment law? What is assisted outpatient treatment (AOT)? How is it working in other states that are using it? Why do some people refuse treatment for severe mental illnesses?
Among other things, assisted outpatient treatment:
Some individuals and organizations have raised concerns about assisted outpatient treatment. Most of these fears are based on misinformation or misunderstanding. Educate yourself about the myths surrounding assisted outpatient treatment.
Recent News
LETTER The Buck County Courier Times (January 3, 2008) "If Senate Bill 226 is passed, it will prove to be a compassionate law that will help those who suffer mental illness. Many other states have this law and the results are only positive. So why not Pennsylvania?"
NEWS The Bucks County Courier Times (November 18, 2007) reports on assisted outpatient treatment and SB 226
OPED Archaic Law does harm to mentally ill (November 4, 2007): TAC president Dr. E Fuller Torrey and John Snook, legislative and policy counsel were published in an oped revealing the "rights" that are left for those with severe mental illnesses; Mainly - the right to be psychotic and not get treatment.
BLOG The worst mistake of his life (September 13, 2007): "A recent article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette led to a powerful letter from Bill Shane, a former Pennsylvania legislator who called his work in passing the clear and present danger standard, “the worst mistake of his life.” "
LETTER Inviting tragedy ( Pittsburgh Post Gazette, September 13, 2007): "Far too many Pennsylvanians have a loved one who cannot be helped because they aren't yet dangerous. It doesn't have to be that way. Senate Bill 226 would address this problem. It should be passed."
LETTER Treating mentally ill (Philadelphia Inquirer, September 3, 2007): "People interested in preventive strategies should attend and ask our senators to vote for SB 226 now."
BLOG Pennsylvania's advocacy effort to change treatment laws (August 6, 2007) "...currently working to see Pennsylvania Senate Bill 226 passed so individuals with severe mental illness and a history of hospitalizations, homelessness, and/or time spent in jail or prison will be able to receive the timely, compassionate treatment they need."
Want to help improve your state's mental illness treatment law?
PENNSYLVANIA
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History
BLOGTAC "He won't even talk to the psychiatrist..." - Pennsylvania's weak law sets another person up for failure. March 8, 2006
LETTER State, county need to do more to serve mentally ill - Delaware County Times, December 18, 2005
NEWS Pennsylvania bill (2002 session) demands selective treatment: Mentally ill
who are dangerous affected - "We see a revolving door in the
justice system of the kinds of people that get themselves in trouble and become a danger
and get committed to jail or probation or mental health treatment. Then they're stabilized and released, but don't take their medication, and they go
into a downward spiral."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 24, 2002
MEDIA ADVISORY Pennsylvania school bus driver kidnaps children:
Recently went off his medication - On Thursday, Jan. 24, Otto Nuss, 63, kidnapped
a school bus of children, taking them on a six-hour trip from Pennsylvania to Maryland.
Mr. Nuss had a loaded rifle on the bus but apparently never overtly threatened the
children. According to the Associated Press, "A friend said Nuss had been treated for
psychiatric problems and recently went off his medication." Fortunately, none of the
students were physically harmed.
Treatment Advocacy Center, Jan. 25, 2002
OPED Ban "lack of treatment" crimes -
Pennsylvania has an outpatient commitment law but, like those in most states, it is
virtually never used. Individuals like Baumhammers and Taylor usually give warning of
their potential dangerousness. Taylor advised officials to contact his former counselors
"to let them know I finally followed through with my plan."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 14, 2000
NEWS Mental health expert to share experiences, insights
- "There are degrees of disability that come with schizophrenia," he said.
"For persons who are very, very disabled with a disorder that tells them they don't
have a disorder, we really need to take care of them."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sept. 28, 1999
LETTER Keep up the good
work. As the contact person of a local NAMI affiliate ... I receive phone calls every week from
people seeking information and support concerning an ill family member. By far the most
frequent issue is trying to get a psychotic person to accept treatment BEFORE harm is
done. I now give them information about TAC and urge them to support the organization
...
Alice Fitzcharles, Media, Pennsylvania
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