A Glendale woman reports that her brother, Adam Kennedy, was jailed after their family spent months trying to secure him mental health treatment. Angela Myer stated that Kennedy, who has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and clinical depression, has struggled with mental health issues for much of his life.
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Myer welcomed Kennedy to live with her in July, hoping to assist him in obtaining necessary care. She noted that it took weeks to get him prescribed medication, and she has yet to manage securing a bed for him at a mental health facility.
Despite their efforts, Myer indicated that they faced repeated refusals due to a lack of available beds. "Literally they kept turning him away. They kept saying the beds are full," Myer said. She attributed part of the challenge to the stigma surrounding mental health and medication, explaining that many believe they can manage their conditions independently.
The situation took a turn when Kennedy went missing after a walk at the end of last month. Myer, concerned, checked local hospitals and the sheriff’s office only to find out that he had been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct with a weapon.
Leslie Carpenter of the Treatment Advocacy Center expressed her lack of surprise at the outcome, advocating for more treatment options rather than punishment for individuals struggling with mental illness. Carpenter pointed out that taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of these situations, whether individuals end up in jail or receive care in a medical facility.
Myer fears for her brother's safety, stating, "He’ll end up dead. Definitely, he’ll end up dead." Advocacy groups have highlighted a critical shortage of mental health resources in Arizona, noting that the state only has four beds for every 100,000 individuals in crisis, while a recommended standard is 50 beds.
To address this issue, Proposition 409 was passed with 51% of the vote, allocating nearly $900 million to enhance resources at Valleywise Health, which includes plans for a new 200-bed behavioral health hospital. While Valleywise has indicated that additional resources are forthcoming, the rising demand for services continues to pose significant challenges.