Stigmatization of mental health challenges is still prevalent and extends to the legal system. The mistreatment of inmates battling mental illness and inadequate care services has become a significant concern, often leading to catastrophic results. Reports from the Treatment Advocacy Center show that people with mental troubles are 16 times more likely to lose their lives in the hands of law enforcement officers.
How Bad is the Situation?
The Dire Situation of those Behind Bars
Individuals with mental illness in prison are a vulnerable population that face unique challenges, including:
● Having trouble getting access to mental health care and medication
● Segregation and isolation from other inmates which can exacerbate their conditions.
● Discrimination and stigmatization
● Inadequate support for re-entry into society after release leading to higher recidivism rates.
Campaign 988
People with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed by law enforcement (Treatment Advocacy Center, 2022).
Maryland lawmakers sponsored a bill that diverts more mental health crisis calls from law enforcement.
The new bill establishes a 988 trust fund to support the Maryland 988 helpline.
The Recovery Center of Maryland is extremely excited to partner with Campaign 988 and help reduce encounters between on-duty law enforcement and individuals suffering from mental health challenges.
Prioritizing Mental Health for All
We are a CARF Accredited rehabilitation and mental health care institution focused on offering person-centered care to those in need. Our team of experts are well-equipped to guide you through our individualized substance abuse treatment programs to ensure you get the best care.
Our Mobile Treatment Services were designed to assist adults with persistent mental health and/or substance abuse issues that require intensive interventions to remain stable in the community. Our mobile units increase accessibility to care, contact our Maryland team for more information on our Mobile Treatment Service program.
We are able to provide the following services to clients in their natural environment:
- Vocational Assistance
- Medication Management
- Case Management
- Therapy Services
MTS is designed to assist adults with persistent mental health and/or substance abuse issues that require intensive interventions to remain stable in the community due to one or more of the following additional difficulties:
- Numerous visits or admissions to the hospital
- Repeated jail time, homelessness
- Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
- Thoughts of hurting themselves or others
- Feeling like people are out to get them
- Hearing things other people can’t hear
- Financial challenges
- Medication and medical problems
Our MTS Program is not designed to take clients away from their respective programs, but to provide additional services.
Sources
- Treatment Advocacy Center. Eliminating Barriers to the Treatment of Mental Illness
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental Health Conditions
- American Psychological Association. (2014). Incarceration Nation
- US Department of Justice. Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (LEMHWA) Program Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Program
