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On Oct. 30 the BDN editorial board endorsed Sen. Angus King. The headline read: “King’s experience and centralism make him a solid choice for Senate.” Several reasons were listed but not the action that I find to be truly courageous. In February he became a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 3098. It’s a courageous stand. It proposes the end of the Institute for Mental Diseases Exclusion Law. Only two other senators have signed on. Much more support is needed.
Let’s demand our Maine congressional delegation join him! After all, Maine’s motto is to lead. May Sen. Susan Collins add her powerful voice and co-sponsor this bill. And Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, may they co-sponsor a similar House bill.
Why? The economic impact of schizophrenia alone was estimated to be greater than all of the cancers in the early 2000s! In 2019, schizophrenia’s economic impact was greater than Alzheimer’s! On the human side, too many Mainers with certain undertreated brain illnesses are harmed by this federal law. Recently Maine’s congressional delegation unanimously supported a bill which became law for comprehensive services and research for Alzheimer’s. Wonderful but why the direct opposite for those with schizophrenia and bipolar, etc.?
No more Lewiston massacres or unnecessary deaths, which this change can help prevent. Maine’s congressional delegation should co-sponsor these bills to end this outdated law. It’s a symptom of society’s greatest injustice!
Joe H. Pickering Jr.
Bangor
