Over the last five decades, allegations of abuse combined with the reality of funding shortages caused the closings of mental hospitals here and across the country. Central State Hospital, formerly the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane, was closed in the 90s, in favor of a “modern” approach, away from institutional methods of treatment.
It was probably time for a reset, but the pendulum swung too far, cutting services for many who have needed a hospital environment. When mental health problems are not addressed, we see increased addiction issues, self harm, and violence against others. Those with addictions, or violent tendencies often end up in incarceration over and over again. Back on the streets, they remain undiagnosed, and a threat to others.
With the opening of the new Indianapolis Marion County Community Justice Center, a substantial amount of space is allocated to diagnosing and treating those with health issues and mental problems that often ignite lawless behavior. People who were taken to jail and identified as having mental health needs are 1.5 times more likely to be rearrested within six months. Also, in the last week, a Republican summer study committee of the Indiana General Assembly reportedly weighed proposals that would provide additional funding and treatment resources for psychiatric hospitals and community care centers to better serve incarcerated people. Certainly, UNITE INDY is hopeful that legislation based on those discussions will emerge in January during the next session and be supported in a bi-partisan effort.
But everyone who suffers a mental disorder doesn’t end up in jail. Indiana’s population is getting close to 6.9 million, with about 4.5% of adults suffering from serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that in Indiana 56.4% of them receive no treatment, which by my calculations is more than 175,000 people who are not getting the care they need.
Mental Health America (MHA) has given the state of Indiana a rank of 45 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia, reflecting shortages of mental care opportunities across our state. With daily rates at private mental facilities here around $2,000 per day, it is pretty clear that these facilities are not serving the average wage earner, and if more than 56% of those who need psychiatric care do not access it, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that cost is probably the primary barrier.
Psychiatric care cannot be limited to those who can afford expensive mental health facilities. While it is just good common and fiscal sense to identify and care for people who would break the law due to mental issues, you shouldn’t have to commit a crime to be treated.
Nancy
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