South Side Weekly publishes two op-eds written by UIC Sociology Grad Students Tirza Ochrach-Konradi, Soleil Smith, Ren R, and Tim Johnson along with members of the Collaborative for Community Wellness.
Each op-ed addresses one of the key findings from the research report published in January based on interviews conducted last year as part of the 501/509 practicum on community engaged research:
1) During a mental health crisis, police typically: a) escalate the crisis, b) rely on criminalization and violence, and c) dehumanize and stigmatize the person experiencing the crisis. The findings support the CCW call to remove police from mental health crisis response.
2) We have to address mental health needs beyond the crisis moment. Dealing with the crisis moment is too little, too late for people struggling with mental health challenges. They need services and support ahead of time. Moreover, current options in the aftermath of a crisis are also ineffective and further traumatizing.
Modified on April 03, 2024