Mental

Louisville Judge Urges Expansion of Mental Health Courts to Break Cycle of Incarceration

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Louisville, Kentucky – In her speech at the annual “Spirit of Peace” dinner hosted by NAMI Louisville, Judge Stephanie Burke called for the establishment of more mental health courts throughout Kentucky. The group, which aids individuals with mental illness, received Burke’s support as she emphasized the need for these specialized courts in the state. Burke, who spearheaded the creation of Kentucky’s first program for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment in 2019, highlighted the significance of programs like these in breaking the cycle of hospitalization and incarceration. Expressing concern over the over-incarceration of the mentally ill, Burke … Read more

Daughter Charged With Fatally Stabbing Father Appears in Court as Mental Health Concerns Arise

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WASHINGTON (AP) — In a preliminary hearing held at the DC Superior Court, Brittany Gaylor, 32, faced charges of second-degree murder and assault with intent to kill for her alleged involvement in the stabbing death of her father, James Gaylor. The incident took place on February 10th on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW, and James succumbed to his injuries the following day. Police documents suggest that Brittany approached officers at the intersection of North Capitol Street and P Streets, NW, confessing to stabbing a man at the residence on 6th Street. James was … Read more

Roanoke City Schools Take Stand Against Social Media Giants, Joining Nationwide Lawsuit to Safeguard Students’ Mental Health

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ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City public schools have taken a significant step by joining a nationwide lawsuit along with over 400 other school divisions across the United States. The school district is addressing the rising demand for mental health services among students, with social media platforms being identified as a major contributing factor. According to Mark Cathey, a member of the Roanoke City School Board, the detrimental impact of apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube on students cannot be ignored. These platforms, Cathey argues, are designed to target the vulnerable minds of young individuals who … Read more

Rethinking ‘Crime-Free’ Laws: Scrutiny Grows as Discrimination Against Mental Health Persists

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Topeka, Kansas – The use of “crime-free” or “public nuisance” laws by communities across the United States has come under increasing scrutiny for potential mental health discrimination. These laws, which allow landlords to evict tenants when there are repeated calls to police or emergency crews, have long been criticized for their ineffectiveness and harsh enforcement in poor neighborhoods and against people of color. However, now there are concerns that these ordinances may also discriminate against individuals with mental health disabilities. In November of last year, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a groundbreaking finding, declaring … Read more