In light of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech last month, I would like to express sympathy for the victims on behalf of the Wood River Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As president of NAMI, I would also like to provide some clarity around the topic of mental illness in our community and the need for adequate and readily available treatment systems throughout Idaho.
The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is low. In fact, "the overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small." More often, people living with mental illness are the victims of violence. Many who suffer from depression and other brain disorders are in fact a danger mostly to themselves.
NAMI has advocated for many years in this community for improved and consistent mental health care services, affecting legislation at the state level to secure insurance parity for those with mental illnesses and providing support groups, police and clergy training, and peer-to-peer counseling for families affected by mental illnesses.
NAMI also worked along with state Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, to pass the Gravely Disabled Law, which allows first responders to take into protective custody a person who is obviously a danger to themselves or others. Treatment works, if one can get it. The best way to ensure that people get the treatment they need is to invest in an adequate mental health care system. We need mental health screening, specific ways to keep people engaged in treatment and other supports that promote recovery. Peer leadership and support networks need to be an essential part of the system. People who live with mental illnesses must have opportunities for peer education in managing their conditions.
More needs to be done in the area of mental illness education and community support in our community, including follow-up care services and awareness campaigns as to the nature, causes and treatment of mental illness. Idaho ranks as next to last in the nation for per capita funding for mental illness in the U.S. and unfortunately also ranks in the top five states for suicide. Support NAMI in our annual fund-raiser and membership drive this summer or call Tom Hanson at (208) 720-3337 for more information.
Tom Hanson
President
Wood River National Alliance on Mental Illness
