Alone in a cell for 23 hours a day, gripped by delusions and reluctant to take the medications that would ease the symptoms of her psychosis, Jessica Muñoz-Ciro wanted to end the pain.She leapt head-first from the top of a bunk bed at the El Paso County jail with enough force to crack her front teeth.The fall didn’t kill 26-year-old Muñoz-Ciro, once a junior world racquetball champion who’d been arrested this year after she, in the midst of a manic episode, lashed out at law enforcement officers.Four months later, after stints at two mental health facilities, she again jumped from a top bunk at the jail and survived a second time.Idali Lawson, her mother, described Muñoz-Ciro’s harrowing experience behind bars and believes it symptomatic of what mental health experts and many law enforcement officials say is a larger struggle: The criminal justice system in Colorado has become a warehouse for people with mental illness.Those with mental health issues, … [Read more...] about For mother and star athlete daughter, mental illness a crucible of pain
National alliance on mental illness
Heather Locklear’s 911 crises: For families of mentally ill, calling in cops brings new fears
By Martha Ross | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: July 3, 2018 at 10:45 am | UPDATED: July 3, 2018 at 10:52 am Heather Locklear’s family members are no doubt feeling some relief over her decision to voluntarily enter a long-term program to deal with mental health and substance abuse-related crises that have forced them to call 911 four times over the past four months. The 56-year-old actress’ family can hope she will finally get the help she needs. And, for a few weeks or a few months, they’ll be free from worrying that they might have to summon emergency responders, including law enforcement, if she again becomes agitated, suicidal or violent towards others. In three of those calls, Locklear had been fighting with her boyfriend, or attacked her parents, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies or an EMT, according to reports. In two of the emergencies, she also threatened to find a gun to shoot herself or police. As Locklear’s 911 … [Read more...] about Heather Locklear’s 911 crises: For families of mentally ill, calling in cops brings new fears
David Spade donates $100,000 to mental health org after Kate Spade’s death
Just over a week after Kate Spade took her own life, her family is taking steps to prevent the same outcome for others.Kate's brother-in-law, comedian David Spade, is making a $100,000 donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realize, but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support,” David said in a statement to People.David also encouraged those suffering to reach out via the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8255) or nami.org.David's older brother, Andy Spade, wed Kate more than two decades ago. After news broke of her June 5 death, David shared a few personal photos with his sister-in-law, including an undated family Christmas snapshot.Fuzzy picture but i love it. Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard. I still cant believe it. Its a rough world out there people, try to … [Read more...] about David Spade donates $100,000 to mental health org after Kate Spade’s death
AROUND TOWN: NAMI grows ‘Stepping into the Light’ of mental illness
0 View Gallery View Comments For years, people at fundraising breakfasts for the National Alliance on Mental Illness spoke about "Embracing the Light."That light of understanding and transparency became even brighter May 3 at The Broadmoor, as 650 people moved forward, "Stepping into the Light" of mental illness on the 35th anniversary of NAMI Colorado Springs. The $180,000 goal for that morning was eclipsed when the total raised was announced: $205,000. "This is fully one-third of NAMI's annual operating budget," said Executive Director Lori Jarvis-Steinwert. "It is vital to our ability to offer our always-free education and support programs for those who live with mental illness and their families."It was a good day as well for guest Andrew Romanoff, former Colorado House speaker and now president/CEO of Mental Health Colorado. He closely monitored his phone as the Legislature voted on a bill advancing one-stop mental health services, with an ombudsman helping Coloradans … [Read more...] about AROUND TOWN: NAMI grows ‘Stepping into the Light’ of mental illness
Readers sound off on psychiatric care, child abuse and Rusty Staub
Rug pulled out from mentally ill Albany: I commend the excellent Daily News editorial “Mentally ill, nowhere to go” (April 1). The National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State wholeheartedly agrees that despite the success of ThriveNYC, people with severe mental illness continue to fall through the cracks as long-term hospital beds increasingly diminish. New York State continues to reduce state hospital beds without making the necessary investments in mental health housing with support services. Without hospital beds or mental health housing, we will surely see more tragic and costly outcomes including homelessness, suicide, entry into the criminal justice system and overdependence on emergency rooms that are ill-equipped to handle those in psychiatric crisis. New York cannot continue to ignore this issue. We also want to express our gratitude to the Daily News for showcasing this issue in a non-stigmatizing manner. Matthew ShapiroNational Alliance on Mental … [Read more...] about Readers sound off on psychiatric care, child abuse and Rusty Staub