{"id":2396325,"date":"2025-01-28T21:06:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T02:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/to-rfk-jr-undo-this-federal-policy-that-exacerbates-homelessness-itll-help-the-mentally-ill\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T21:09:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T02:09:25","slug":"to-rfk-jr-undo-this-federal-policy-that-exacerbates-homelessness-itll-help-the-mentally-ill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/to-rfk-jr-undo-this-federal-policy-that-exacerbates-homelessness-itll-help-the-mentally-ill\/","title":{"rendered":"To RFK JR.: Undo This Federal Policy That Exacerbates Homelessness &#8211; It&#8217;ll Help the Mentally Ill"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">32<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fto-rfk-jr-undo-this-federal-policy-that-exacerbates-homelessness-itll-help-the-mentally-ill%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2396325&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The letter addressed to Mr. Kennedy emphasizes the urgent need for reform in America&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/texas-police-say-door-to-uvalde-elementary-school-was-unlocked-when-gunman-entered\/\" title=\"Texas Police Say Door to Uvalde Elementary School Was Unlocked When Gunman Entered\">mental health care system<\/a>,especially focusing on the plight of individuals with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/utm_sourcerssutm_mediumrssutm_campaignpumping-gender-bending-drugs-into-kids-is-even-more-dangerous-than-we-thought\/\" title=\"Giving Gender-Bending Drugs To Kids Is Worse Than We Thought\">severe mental illnesses<\/a>. It highlights the historical neglect of these individuals,especially following the deinstitutionalization movement in the mid-20th century,which left many without adequate care and resulted in a notable number\u2063 ending up in jails,prisons,or homeless. A critical barrier identified is the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) Exclusion, a\u200d policy that restricts Medicaid coverage for psychiatric facilities, exacerbating the crisis.<\/p>\n<p>The author, Deborah geesling, urges Mr.Kennedy to champion the repeal of the\u200c IMD Exclusion to \u2063honour his\u2063 family&#8217;s legacy,particularly that of his uncle,president John F. Kennedy, who supported the Community Mental Health \u200dAct in 1963. The letter \u200dproposes several reforms: enhancing Assisted Outpatient Treatment, expanding access to\u200d assertive community treatment teams, and\u200b increasing the availability\u2064 of psychiatric beds. \u2063The overarching message calls for bold action\u200d to address\u2063 the systemic failures that have led to the suffering of millions, aligning\u2062 with the moral duty of society to care for its vulnerable populations.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<section> \t\t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (REP_0)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Dear Mr. Kennedy,<\/p>\n<p>As someone who carries the weight of a historic name synonymous with justice and compassion, your campaign has the potential to ignite transformative change.<\/p>\n<p>Amid the many critical issues facing America today, I urge you to consider the plight of one of the most underserved and misunderstood populations: those suffering from severe mental illness.<\/p>\n<p>The history of how we, as a nation, have treated individuals with severe mental illnesses is one of profound neglect and misplaced priorities.<\/p>\n<p>In the mid-20th century, the deinstitutionalization movement aimed to liberate individuals from the horrors of overcrowded and abusive asylums. While noble in intent, the movement&rsquo;s execution left much to be desired.<\/p>\n<p> <script type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\tif ( getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"stnvideo\").remove() \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script> <\/p>\n<p>State mental hospitals were shuttered without adequate community-based systems of care to replace them. Many individuals with severe mental illnesses fell through the cracks, landing instead in jails, prisons, or homelessness.<\/p>\n<p>Today, nearly one-third of the nation&rsquo;s homeless population and an estimated 20 percent of the incarcerated have untreated severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n<p>Central to this crisis is the Institutions for Mental Diseases Exclusion, a federal policy born in 1965 as part of Medicaid&rsquo;s creation. The IMD Exclusion prohibits Medicaid from covering care in psychiatric hospitals with more than 16 beds for individuals aged 21 to 64.<\/p>\n<p>While its original purpose was to incentivize community-based care, it has instead created an insurmountable barrier to treatment for those who need it most. The exclusion forces states to either shoulder the costs themselves &mdash; an increasingly rare occurrence &mdash; or leave individuals to languish without the care they desperately need.<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Kennedy, your emphasis on environmental toxins such as red dye and fluoride reflects a commitment to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mike-pence-back-on-the-scene-as-his-group-moves-to-undermine-trump\/\" title=\"Mike Pence Back on the Scene as His Group Moves to Undermine Trump\">addressing public health issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, banning additives and chemicals, while commendable, will not rectify the systemic failures of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ocasio-cortez-says-building-less-jails-will-reduce-the-number-of-people-who-go-to-jail\/\" title=\"Ocasio-Cortez Says Building Less Jails Will Reduce The Number Of People Who Go To Jail\">mental health system<\/a>. Severe mental illnesses are complex neurological conditions that require nuanced solutions.<\/p>\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">reducing environmental risk factors plays<\/a> a role, we cannot afford to ignore the structural and policy-driven obstacles perpetuating the suffering of millions.<\/p>\n<p>The question, then, is this: Will you lead the charge to end the IMD Exclusion, a policy that has, for decades, functioned as an institutionalized barrier to care?<\/p>\n<p>Doing so would honor the legacy of your uncle, President John F. Kennedy, who championed the Community Mental Health Act in 1963 with the vision of a robust and humane mental health care system. Addressing the IMD Exclusion would be a monumental step toward fulfilling it.<\/p>\n<p>Your platform could highlight the broader need for comprehensive reforms, including:<\/p>\n<p>Enhancing Assisted Outpatient Treatment: Expanding and funding AOT Programs to ensure individuals with severe mental illnesses receive consistent, court-ordered treatment while living in the community.<\/p>\n<p>Expanding access to assertive community treatment teams &mdash; proven interventions that help individuals with severe mental illnesses lead stable lives.<\/p>\n<p>Increasing the availability of psychiatric hospital beds and housing with comprehensive support, ensuring individuals in crises or requiring long-term care have access to appropriate facilities and services.<\/p>\n<p>The American people are ready for a leader who understands that the moral test of a society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable. The crisis of untreated severe mental illness is a solvable policy failure.<\/p>\n<p>Ending the IMD Exclusion would be a bold, humane, and historically significant step &mdash; one befitting the Kennedy legacy.<\/p>\n<p>The time for half-measures has passed. We need bold action. Will you be the leader to take it?<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Deborah Geesling<\/p>\n<p>Advocate and President of P82 Homes<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><i><b>The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either d or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/submitop-ed\/\">here<\/a>.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* Name<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* <\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<label>* Message<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t<textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\"> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> \t\t<script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey==typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts={ \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs=[ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i=0; i <inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! 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In light of the pressing issues facing America today, I encourage you to focus on one of the most neglected and misunderstood groups: individuals suffering from severe mental illness. <\/p>\n<p>The treatment history for those with severe mental illnesses in our nation reflects deep neglect and misaligned priorities. The deinstitutionalization movement in the mid-20th century aimed to free individuals from overcrowded and abusive asylums; however, its implementation fell short. State mental hospitals were closed without establishing adequate community care systems, leading many individuals with severe mental illnesses to end up in jails or living on the streets. Currently, nearly one-third of homeless people and about 20% of incarcerated individuals suffer from untreated severe mental conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n<p>A key factor in this crisis is the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) Exclusion policy established in 1965 during Medicaid&#8217;s inception. This policy prevents Medicaid from covering care at psychiatric hospitals with more than 16 beds for those aged 21 to 64. While intended to promote community-based care, it has instead created significant barriers for those needing treatment most urgently.<\/p>\n<p>Your focus on environmental toxins shows your commitment to public health; however, addressing these issues alone will not resolve our systemic failures regarding mental health care. Severe mental illnesses are complex neurological disorders that require comprehensive solutions beyond just reducing environmental risks.<\/p>\n<p>The critical question is: Will you take action to eliminate the IMD Exclusion? Doing so would honor your uncle President John F. Kennedy\u2019s legacy by advancing his vision for a compassionate and effective mental health system through initiatives like the Community Mental Health Act of 1963.<\/p>\n<p>Your platform could advocate for essential reforms such as:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Enhancing Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs.<br \/>\n&#8211; Expanding access to assertive community treatment teams.<br \/>\n&#8211; Increasing psychiatric hospital bed availability along with supportive housing options.<\/p>\n<p>The American public seeks leadership that prioritizes how we treat our most vulnerable citizens\u2014addressing untreated severe mental illness is an achievable goal that requires bold policy changes like ending the IMD Exclusion.<\/p>\n<p>Now is not the time for half-measures; we need decisive action. Will you be that leader?<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<br \/>\nDeborah Geesling<br \/>\nAdvocate and President of P82 Homes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2396326,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Homelessness.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[6017,49392,11561,35390,32458],"class_list":["post-2396325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-advocacy","tag-federal-policy","tag-homelessness","tag-mental-health","tag-rfk-jr"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Homelessness.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2396325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2396325"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2396325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2396329,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2396325\/revisions\/2396329"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2396326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2396325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2396325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2396325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}