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Pittsburgh Post Gazette

September 13, 2007

Reprinted with permission of the author. Visit the Pittsburgh Post Gazette online.

Letter to the Editor

Inviting tragedy

It is naive to say Pennsylvania's 31-year-old involuntary commitment law is "as good as it can be" ("Mental Health Law Balances Danger, Rights," Sept. 5). In reality, it isn't even close. The law, passed in 1976, ignores 31 years of advancement in treating mental illnesses. Today we know that some individuals with untreated severe mental illnesses have impaired awareness of their illness, which affects their ability to make informed treatment decisions.

Many states have improved their treatment laws to take these scientific advancements into account. Not Pennsylvania. Its law is one of the strictest in the country.

As a result, those who cannot access treatment voluntarily must hit rock bottom before they can be helped. Treatment is dependent on them first posing a "clear and present danger." This invites tragedy.

Improving the law will not mean "going back to the old days" of committing people on a whim. In New York, 81 percent of program participants said assisted outpatient treatment helped them get and stay well. Plus they experienced 77 percent fewer hospitalizations and 83 percent fewer arrests.

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.

A humane law protects someone's right not to be psychotic. Pennsylvania's law needs to be brought into the 21st century. It's definitely not "as good as it can be."

JOHN SNOOK
Legislative and Policy Counsel
Treatment Advocacy Center
Arlington, Va.

More on SB 226 and the Public Health and Welfare Committee Hearing