Mentally ill man deserves better care and support
Re: Problem tenant has residents on edge (NewsLeader, Feb. 1)
We're writing in response to this disturbing story about a person who seems to have serious mental health issues and who is not getting the care and support he needs. There's no doubt tenants have a right to a safe, quiet residence, and generally their rights are well protected. This situation must be very concerning for neighbours who have showed their concern.
But the story is really that people with mental-health issues don't get proper health care. And that includes safe housing and community care. It's tragic this man was hospitalized and released back into the community into a situation that was not helping him. We've been watching this smoldering health care mess for years. The provincial government hasn't put the right kind of, or enough, resources into place to help this man. What kind of release plans and follow-up were in place when he left the hospital? Was his outfit—nothing more than green hospital pants, a shirt and one boot—part of the plan?
This man is someone's son, brother or father. He needs society's support to protect him and help him become as healthy as he can. We need to talk about the people in our communities with unattended menta -health issues during the upcoming provincial election.
We are our brother's keeper.
Mae Burrows and Donald Gutstein
Burnaby
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