The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel deserves great praise for its series of articles exposing the plight of mentally ill people abandoned when the nation closed its mental institutions more than a quarter of a century ago. At that time, the United States and Wisconsin made a solemn promise to care for these distressed citizens in humane, community-based programs. That promise was broken, resulting in hundreds of thousands, probably millions, of shattered lives. Waiting lines for services still wind around the block, and Wisconsin remains one of only 18 states without a law guaranteeing equal insurance coverage for those struggling with mental illness. On behalf of the 33 affiliates of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Wisconsin, I thank the Journal Sentinel for the stories of Lurlene Peterson, Karen Grayson, Ottillia Willis and John Spoerl.
Recovery is possible with proper treatment.
Thank you for your interesting and informative series of articles on the plight of the mentally ill in our community and some examples of successful interventions that show the potential for positive outcomes. How Meg Kissinger, Dave Umhoefer and David Joles persuaded the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to publish a series of articles depicting the plight of the mentally ill is beyond me. Throughout history, both the media and government officials have done everything in their power to thwart such publications. Members of the Journal Sentinel's investigative team have produced other feature articles - all dedicated to giving the poor and downtrodden a voice. Without exception, all were outstanding.