November 4, 2003

Dear Editor,

Re: The letter “Lack of Medication?” (A-J, 11-02)

Although I do not have any more information than the general public does regarding the Ransom Canyon situation, I would like to take this opportunity to respond.  The A-J reports domestic violence situations everyday.  The vast majority are not perpetrated by people with serious and persistent mental illness.  As the tragedy unfolded, I grieved along with everyone for the Calverley family.  I also grieved in general for people with mental illness who are an integral part of our community because I knew they would be profoundly affected, too. 

As headlines emerged, people drew a connection between mental illness and violent behavior, not knowing recent research and years of experience strongly indicate most violent people do not, in fact, have mental illness.  The risk of violent behavior does increase in circumstances where drugs and/or alcohol abuse are involved.  Little doubt, the inaccurate conclusions will exacerbate the stigma too often associated with mental illness and prevent people from seeking and engaging in medical treatment and related social support services.

MHMR services are provided primarily to those who do not have access to private healthcare, to those who are most ill and to those who are at imminent risk of danger to self or others.  Through ongoing services and crisis response, we work everyday with community and family members, schools and treatment providers, local law enforcement and hospitals and other entities, to reduce risks to public safety and support individuals with mental illness.

Sincerely,

Danette Castle

CEO, Lubbock Regional MHMR

A-J:  Please consider adding the following as an editor’s note after my letter:

Lubbock Regional MHMR Center in partnership with the Lubbock chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is hosting a community forum designed to answer questions and address concerns regarding: 1) violence and mental illness and 2) recent changes in public policy related to services for people with severe and persistent mental illness.  The forum will be held in the Estacado High School auditorium (1504 East Itasca) on November 18, 2003 at 5:30 p.m.