Reform our mental health system. Mental illness is a brain disease. Our Prisons are for criminals, not ill loved ones.

Mental illness is a brain disease--not a choice. People over age 18 have 'rights' of being able to deny treatment for their disease. When the brain is not able to think properly, individuals feel they are okay and refuse treatment. Often their actions lead to prison sentences, and then tragedy, as in the case of my nephew. He was a bright, promising young man--almost 40--owned his own marble manufacturing and installation company at one time--but he took his life in his prison cell--(served time for calling his ex-wife when he was in hospital with mental issues) He needed medical help, not a prison sentence. He essentially died 'with his rights on'. This affects many more families than anyone can imagine. Please help our loved ones to obtain 'Treatment before Tragedy'. Thank you.