Las Vegas Sun

November 25, 2009

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Letter: Mentally ill in Nevada need better services

Friday, March 23, 2001 | 5:14 a.m.

The "Policing the mentally ill" article in the March 11 Sun exposed the terrible results when our state does not provide the services to help these poor people suffering from a devastating brain disorder.

An effective service, as supported by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, is a program called PACT. This is a well-tested community support program. It consists of a psychiatrist, nurses and other trained mental health staff. If needed, the staff is available seven days a week. They check on medication compliance, assist in personal grooming, help find decent housing and a job if the person is able to work.

If mandated funding could be given for several of these programs, a substantial reduction in the "revolving-door syndrome" is possible. We could save on the expense of jail space, rushed trips to the emergency room, court costs, and the misery to many heartbroken families. We can do it -- we must do it -- not only for the mentally ill living on the streets, but also so that our city can truly become a city of lights -- and hope.

FRANCES FENSKE

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