Thank you to the Chicago Tribune for the prominent placement on the Jan. 23 front page of Michael J. Berens’ story, “U.S. condemns placing mentally ill in nursing homes.”
I hope that headline has a jarring effect on the minds and consciences of our state officials–be they in the legislature or in the executive branch–and spurs them to finally take corrective action.
The federal probe on which the report is based was undoubtedly influenced by the coverage given this matter by your newspaper over the past several years. It seems that it may take federal involvement to deal with the problem of improper placement of people with mental illnesses (serious brain disorders) being placed in nursing homes.
I would put the emphasis on “improper” because, given the state’s inability to adequately finance the Office of Mental Health, it will be a long time before alternative placements can be made. In the meantime, the OMH should assure that wards of the state are given proper medical treatment and care wherever they are housed.
This is an excellent example of what the press can and must do to spotlight serious flaws in the social-service system of this state and nation. Without the persistent digging and exposure by reporters like Mr. Berens and his colleagues, the shameful warehousing of mentally ill people will persist.
