I t s not enough More funding and resources necessary for care of the mentally ill Barbara Brown, Ed. If not, we need to provide federal funds to care for mental health consumers. As I drive in downtown Tucson, Ariz., I am constantly reminded of the plight of the homeless. About one-third of them also are mentally disabled.
Mental illness affects all ages, ethnic groups and genders.
Often you see a man or woman in the median of a busy street trying to get money for food by selling newspapers or pencils or simply panhandling. It isn t that easy for the homeless people with mental health problems. My second son has been among the jailed and homeless during his 20 years living with schizophrenia. While in Washington state, he found himself in the King County Jail psychiatric unit on several occasions. At least they knew him and did not treat him like a criminal when he became disruptive because of lack of care and medication.