a not so hidden shame...

Today the Atlanta Journal Constitution published an update on the investigation of Georgia's inadequate mental health system. www.ajc.com/news/georgia-mental-health-talks . I recently read an article by Alan Judd on ajc.com about how psychiatric patients must wait for days sometimes in the ER before being admitted to state or mental hospitals. http://www.ajc.com/news/desperate-psychiatric-patients. Admissions are delayed due to the fact that psychiatric units in GA are scarce and also the state hospitals are hesitant to admit patients with acute psychotic conditions. Many of the patients end up being discharged after a very short time and without treatment. Judd wrote a series of articles in 2007 titled  "A Hidden Shame". These articles brought to light the questionable state of mental health care in GA and sparked a federal investigation. Gov. Purdue attempted to address the issue by organizing The Mental Health Commission which came up with 7 goals. http://www.gmhcn.org/. That was early 2008. In 2009 the federal govenment sued the state, making the claim that the "inadequate mental health system violated patient's rights." Lack of funding, overcrowded psychiatric units, (and in my opinion, major disorganization) have contributed to the current conditions and, as Judd made very clear, mistreatment and hundreds of patient deaths.