This is responding to Ray Campbell’s Jan. 27 letter “Communities must welcome disabled.” Let us all remember that “disabled’ also applies to people with mental illnesses (serious brain disorders) who are so often discriminated against, largely because of the stigma associated with such illnesses. In a way, they have become a forgotten and neglected minority, although brain disorders strike across society indiscriminately.
A coalition of mental health organizations urged the governor and legislature last week to provide an additional $129 million for services in this budget to bring Illinois up toward the median of per capita spending for mental health services among the 50 states. Illinois ranks ninth in per capita income but 30th in spending for mental health. They asked that this new money be targeted to the community mental health budget to assure adequate and appropriate medications; psychiatric services for children and adolescents, including crisis beds; increased funds for providers of community-based services; case management for people in jails, nursing homes and homeless shelters; and money for additional supported and assisted housing.
As to the last item, housing is such an important element in the total treatment process and is where Mr. Campbell’s comments are so apropos. When, and if, the legislature does commit additional funds, communities will be called upon–as they are now–to allow housing units for the disabled, including people with mental illnesses, not to be resisted but to be welcomed.
