There are multiple victims in Zichi case
The following is a Counterpoint:
By John Tote
May is Mental Health Month. That’s significant since mental health issues don’t usually get the support and attention they deserve, especially issues that easily can be stigmatized. One such issue concerns the case of Tony Zichi.
Zichi was a young man suffering from mental illness who was placed — most likely, inappropriately — in a family care home near Elon with people who were older and did not have mental illnesses. Unfortunately, he did not receive the care he should have. And, tragically, he took someone else’s life.
Clearly, the woman and her family are victims. However, Zichi and his family are victims as well.
First, they were victims because they did not receive the services so desperately needed by an individual suffering from schizophrenia, among other conditions.
Now they are victims of politics as Zichi sits silently in a state hospital until he can get “well enough” to be put on trial.
There is no doubt that Zichi should be confined; however, his confinement should be within the state psychiatric hospital system, not the prison system.
From all indications, Zichi was not legally responsible for his tragic actions. This does not take away the pain from the family that lost a loved one. But Zichi definitely needs psychiatric care and should receive it in a proper manner even after an event such as this.
While politics and public perception are difficult to overcome, we must overcome them in order to do the right thing.
Could this treatment be considered late in many ways? Absolutely. Too late? Not at all.
Finally, we must not consider this case in isolation. We need appropriate and timely care and treatment for all individuals with mental illness.
John Tote of Raleigh is executive director of the Mental Health Association in North Carolina.
Comments (1)
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Mr. Tote,
I applaud your sentiment. I long to be a mental health advocate. i wish had the resources to do something to help these folks.
Somehow, someway, we must have officials in position that make these decisions be educated
in the mental health field. (or at least knowledgeable and understanding.)
We must have separate courts for those with mental health issues.
We must stop Judges from acting on their very own prejudices in these cases.
I feel very strongly that someone needs to take a look at medications paid for by medicaid and for what illnesses they are being dispensed for.
I think a lot of our mental health issues lie with improper and overmedication. I don't know what the answer is.
I think there is a strong link between the fast flowing Vikodon, hydracdone, Oxycodone, legalized Methadone,and our mental health issues. I almost think if those meds were banned except for major surgerical relief, a lot of our mental heath issues would be appeased.
A lot of stealing would stop. Food Stamps would be used to buy food.
I also think that the Guilford County Judicial system can take a lot of credit for pushing people over the edge .
I will not go into that here.
I am willing to share all that probably should remain personal to let the Guilford County public have a look inside that court system..
you can read the entire story and view the results on these sites if you are interested
www.helium.com/items/561961-happen-americabut-begin-article
www.theycryfor justice.wordpress.com
www.helium.com/items/622152-article-below-experiences-reflects
www.myspace.com/jobo1163-
this is short term only- .
someone has to stop these Judges..
When you are forced, into Guilford County Court with Judge Joe Turner or Judge Teresa Vincent presiding, if you walk away WITHOUT mental health issues of your own, consider yourself lucky.
If you already have them I recommend you request a change of venue.
"spanking is worse than calling"
Posted on May 22, 2008 7:32 PM