Mental Health is a serious issue that has mainly been overlooked in the past, and it happens to affect a good percentage of homeless people. Some of these people are too poor to afford care, or simply do not realize they need it. Some mental illnesses lead these people to be a danger to themselves and others which often causes trouble. Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed having mental health courts who can order treatment and care of the homeless. This would keep them out of prison and allow them a place to stay and receive treatment for mental illnesses or addictions without just being thrown in jail. While if they refuse to treat the addiction they will receive punishment. While many argue there is not funding for the project, the Governor says it is more than necessary to help these people that have no one else to help them, and that the money could be used more efficiently in the government.
While there will be an initial cost of the project, overall I believe it would help the economy. Potentially dangerous homeless people can cause devalue in property. Also, if the program is successful it will help people get over their addiction or get on the proper care regimen to function properly in society. If these people are able to get on their feet then they can likely get jobs and contribute to the economy, therefore improving it.
Personally, I think this is a necessary step in the right direction. Is it a perfect solution? No, but nothing truly is. It is definitely time to address the issues of those who are looked down upon by society and offer them a helping hand. If we help others, oftentimes it will come around again as someone helping us when we need it.
Mental Health is real, and it is supper important. Many people have the misconception that it is not purely because it is something you cannot see. However, the sooner we start to address the problem the sooner we can start to recover from it. We are in a seriously bad time of mental health, and something needs to be done about it. We work too much and put everything before our self care, particularly countries like America where corporate runs everything.
Works Cited
Thompson, Don, and Janie Har. “CA’s Governor Wants Mental Health Courts for Homeless People.” AP NEWS, 3 Mar. 2022, apnews.com/article/homeless-california-
gavin-newsom-919b1464a03a27ffbe503a31088249d1. Accessed 4 Mar. 2022.
Really interesting concept and you made very valid points! Great blog!