November 17, 2013

Mental health registry a step in the right direction

Folks may remember the story of Arizona's Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
11-17-2013 Arizona:

It seems almost inevitable that whenever there has been a mass shooting or other public emergency, the person involved in it is found to have been dealing with mental issues that were either ignored or not reported properly.

There has been much discussion of this weakness in our social system and what to do about it, but there seldom seems to be an effective public response to the problem.

We are pleased to see Arizona may soon be an exception to that lack of response.

It was recently reported by Arizona Capitol Times that there is an effort underway to establish a Mental Health Registry in our state that could have positive consequences, including alerting law enforcement officers to persons they encounter who are under court supervision or found mentally incompetent by a court.

It would also help better identify those with mental conditions who are prohibited from buying or possessing firearms and ensure they are included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which is checked when people buy firearms.

Currently, only a small percentage of those who are mentally ill are actually put into the system in our state due to reporting failures, according to the Capitol Times report. The new registry is intended to greatly increase inclusion of those who should be in the system.

It is supported by the State Bar of Arizona and the state’s Criminal Justice Commission. The database would be created and managed by the Arizona Supreme Court, but first would require approval from the commission which is scheduled to meet in mid-November.

Plans for the registry are currently being drawn up, and mental health advocates are rightly insisting that protections be included for those who are mentally ill and who are successfully treated so they are removed from the reporting system when they should no longer be there.

The creation of the Mental Health Registry and improved reporting could be very positive steps. The fact that the Arizona Supreme Court would be overseeing it also gives us confidence it would include proper protections. We hope it is implemented quickly. ..Opinion.. of YumaSun.com

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