Advocacy E-News October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
MENTAL ILLNESS IS THE WRONG SCAPEGOAT AFTER MASS SHOOTINGS
When a mass shooting occurs, there seems to be a familiar narrative that untreated mental illness is the primary cause for the terrifying act. But a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health finds that an isolated focus on mental illness is misguided. The research uncovered four central myths that arise in the aftermath of mass shootings.
FEDS PRESS BERGEN REGIONAL MED. CENTER TO BETTER PROTECT STAFF
After at least eight employees were attacked this year by patients at Bergen Regional Medical Center — including being barricaded in a room — federal authorities are calling on the hospital to beef up security, improve training and better screen its patients to protect staff. The report, which raises many questions about staffing, training and security, marks the second time in two years that the federal agency has investigated the hospital.
MOTHER OF INMATE WHO DIED OF BROKEN NECK FILES LAWSUIT
The suit alleges that David Yearby died from a broken neck while in the county jail, where he was apparently maced, beaten, hooded and strapped in a restraint chair for nine hours. Veronica Yearby said her son, who suffered from bipolar disorder, should have received the medical care he needed, rather than being put in the county jail, after he was arrested. Yearby’s sister told police her brother had mental health issues and requested he be sent to a hospital or mental health facility, rather than the county jail. But Yearby was transported to the county jail, where officials were apparently unaware of his mental health issues.
TUITION INSURANCE AVAILABLE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS IN NEW JERSEY
Tuition insurance is now available for college students at Rutgers and other students in the state of New Jersey. Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance, said the agency began offering tuition insurance in July in Arizona, and is now offering insurance to nine states, including New Jersey. The insurance covers non-refundable tuition, fees and room and board and will reimburse those costs when an insured student has to unexpectedly leave college for a serious illness, injury or mental health issue.
CAMPUSES DEBATE RISING DEMANDS FOR ‘COMFORT ANIMALS’
Anxiety, followed closely by depression, has become a growing diagnosis among college students in the last few years. As the calming effect of some domesticated animals has become widely accepted students with psychiatric diagnoses are asking to reside on campus with their own animals and schools with no-pet housing policies are scrambling to address a surfeit of new problems.
SIMON LEADS JOINT COMMITTEE IN DISCUSSION OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN SCHOOLS
Assemblywoman Donna Simon (R-District 16) chaired a meeting of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools, discussing the mental health of young children and teenagers. Simon asked state and school and NAMI NJ representatives, as well as other mental health organizations to identify ways to improve the support for children and adolescents in need. Speakers shared experiences and expert opinion from their respective areas and offered suggestions for how legislators could help.
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