Treat the mentally ill | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The debate over gun control has surfaced again. The underlying issue is always ignored: mental illness and treatment.

Our society still negatively stigmatizes those with mental illness, making it more difficult for individuals and families to come forward for treatment. Across the country, all levels of government funding for treatment continues to be cut.

This winter, the Utah Legislature's budget debates will again focus more on funding infrastructure instead of desperately needed social services. Mental health services will be underfunded and some terminated. This needs to change.

Until our society addresses the underlying causes of tragedy, including full and proper treatment of those with mental illness, it is only a matter of time until the next gunshots are heard.

Remember Trolley Square!

Linda Hilton

Salt Lake City