Arlington, VA — Yesterday, the White House released a new Executive Order, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” which directs federal agencies to make it easier to involuntarily treat people with serious mental illnesses as part of a bid to address homelessness across the United States. While addressing the nationwide homelessness crisis is urgent and necessary, yesterday’s executive order promoting institutionalization of people with mental illness raises grave concerns for NAMI and our community. NAMI’s Chief Executive Officer Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. said:
It’s always ideal – and best – for an individual to engage in their own treatment. Yet, too many NAMI families know that isn’t always possible. Unfortunately, yesterday’s order concerningly focuses broadly on institutionalization and not on real solutions that we know work in helping people lead better lives.”
NAMI believes that in the rare instances where voluntary engagement in treatment is not possible, involuntary commitment should be used only as a last resort and only when it is believed to be in the best interests of the individual.
While it is unclear how the executive order will be carried out since state law governs the process of involuntary civil commitment, the order also urges moving away from a “housing first” approach, which has been successful in helping individuals stay connected to treatment and reduce homelessness. While NAMI is troubled by the overall order, it does include a direction to federal agencies to support crisis response services and prioritize funding for mental health and drug courts – strategies that NAMI supports.
This executive order comes at a time when significant cuts are being made to mental health services nationwide. Earlier this month, Congress passed legislation that will drastically cut Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, impacting millions of Americans. The Administration has rescinded more than $1 billion in grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), with more cuts proposed for the next fiscal year.
These changes will result in far too many people being unable to get the treatment they need. When that happens, more people will be arrested, incarcerated, land in emergency rooms, lose their connection to family and community, and ultimately become homeless. NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski said:
For more information on the public policies that NAMI supports, visit nami.org/advocacy.
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