Moe Keller, VP of public policy at Mental Health America of Colorado, discusses current bills and changes impacting mental health services, including the $28 million committed to provide a 24-hour crisis hotline and walk-in clinics specifically to receive folks with mental health issues.
$10 million is budgeted for housing, as a recognition that it plays a foundational role in people in crisis being further stressed.
Some of the changes former State Senator Keller discusses change the mental health responders of first choice from the cops to real mental health professionals.
A 72-hour psychiatric hold is being redefined in a current bill in attempt to provide more leverage to families seeking help for a person, but where should that flexibility stop?
Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) sometimes experience symptoms of homicidal and suicidal thinking, but if there are no concrete goals or efforts to take steps toward action, then where is that dividing line?
Also, Host Paula Rhoads reports that Dr. Donald Receveur died Nov. 13, 2012 peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. Services were Dec. 1 in Louisville, Ky.
The inspiration for Brainiacs, Dr. Receveur helped many TBI survivors who would otherwise have gone without proper care, including Paula.