I am Jonathan Stanley from the Treatment Advocacy Center.

Our mission is to help establish laws that aid those suffering from severe psychiatric disorders. I would like to thank our partner in New York, the New York Treatment Advocacy Coalition. The efforts of its members have been invaluable.

I most especially thank Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and his staff for listening to us.

The problem is staggering:

1. Three million Americans have either schizophrenia or manic-depression.

40% do not receive treatment.

2. Of these:
   150,000 are homeless
   170,000 are in jail.

Both schizophrenia and manic-depression are caused by biochemical imbalances, just like Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and MS, and, unlike many of those, we have medicines that can successfully treat almost all psychiatric disorders.

Why do so many go untreated?

Because many become so sick that they do not even realize they are sick.

For two reasons, I know that this legislation will work.

First, study after study has shown that outpatient assisted treatment not only works, but works well. It keeps people from ending up back in the hospital. It will enable many to stabilize on their medications and bring them back into the real world that most of us take for granted.

My second reason is a personal one.

Eleven years ago, I found myself standing on a milk crate in the middle of a Manhattan Deli, naked. Secret agents had been chasing me through the streets of New York for three straight days and nights. They had finally cornered me. Only the plastic milk crate insulated me from the deadly radiation aimed at the deli from the satellite dish across the street.

You see, I am one of the people that this legislation is designed to help.

Because of treatment, my reality is here with you. Without treatment, my world would be one of psychosis and delusion. Without treatment I would, most likely be homeless, in jail or dead.

The Treatment Advocacy Center commends Attorney General Spitzer for drafting legislation that will provide treatment to those whom most desperately need it: people that are gravely ill, but have no way of knowing it.

It will let thousands emerge from the shadows of society as well as from the shadows of their own minds.

Thank You.