Linda Mayo: Tragedy underscores need to pass Laura’s Law to better treat mentally ill

Re “Riverbank slaying suspect’s family: Warning signs went unheeded” (Page 2B, Oct. 23): Another needless tragedy in Modesto. The small percentage of severely mentally ill who refuse treatment are only remembered in the headlines when their psychotic delusions propel them to harm someone. In this case, it cost a person’s life.

Again, the system failed. Again the family told us about the diagnosis of bipolar/schizophrenia and time spent in Napa State Hospital for violence. Again, the family tried to get help but faced legal obstacles. Again, a severely mentally disabled person with a history of violence was released from a 72-hour hold at Doctors Behavioral Health hospital the night before the deadly attack.

My heart goes out to the family who lost their loved one and to the family that tried to get help to prevent this from happening but could not. The legal obstacles must be replaced with common-sense, humane treatment.

As a member of NAMI Stanislaus, I ask the community to join us in advocating for Laura’s Law – a start in the right direction. A mandatory 72-hour hold is not enough treatment to help the severely mentally ill or to protect our community. Call 209 558-4555 or email: nami@namistanislaus.org.

This story was originally published November 1, 2016 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Linda Mayo: Tragedy underscores need to pass Laura’s Law to better treat mentally ill."