Letter: Mental illness a problem we all must address

As we mourn the latest victims of the recent senseless murders, let us realistically admit this is a "not in our backyard" issue. Closing our eyes to all forms of tragedies especially of those who have the devastating disease of mental illness is a sad commentary on the public and the health profession. Can anyone deny these embarrassing thoughts we have to console ourselves? It could never happen here. If it happens here it won't happen to my family. I know I can find help when necessary.

In 2007, a group of concerned League of Women Voters members set out to address the challenges of getting help for people with mental illness in Kane County. Profile of Community Services for Adults with Seriously Mental Illness was the result of an in-depth study that addressed the gaps and inadequate system of care in our communities. Sadly, nothing significant has changed and the same conversation continues. What to do?

In a Feb. 9 Daily Herald article "Kane County Releases $4M in COVID Money to Address Mental Health Crisis," it would appear that throwing a little money around could be a remedy. Then the county board members can walk away and feel like they've done their part.

We need to examine the untold stories of local catastrophic events. And they are there. There are accounts of families faced with the devastation of loved ones with untreated serious mental illnesses, and their plea for help when the mentally Ill person threatens their lives because he's off his/her medication.

There are stories of families' total frustration in attempting to find timely and effective medical care. And most importantly we need to hear from the heartbreaking heroic efforts of our own police forces faced with danger and their own safety when answering 911 crisis calls.

It could happen here. Mental illness is in everyone's back yard. Let's find a way to work together and finally get something solved.

Darlene Bakk

Campton Hills