Re "System fails struggling mom again" (Dan Morain, Feb. 24): What to say? First, there is no "system'. There are a patchwork of systems, agencies, and professionals who interact in a very disjointed manner.
Second, anosognosia (lack of insight) is not recognized in any kind of discharge planning, from hospitals, group homes, jails, or prisons.
Third, families are being routinely left out of the equation due to an obsessive adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy laws. I understand the need for HIPPA, but there needs to be better coordination between these agencies, including the families, to plan treatment and especially when a person is discharged
Herrera's case reminded me of my twin brother, who was committed to a state hospital when we were only 17, in 1977. As much as I hated it at the time, had Paul not been committed, I am certain you would have read a similar article about him. His life fell apart upon release, too.
-- Ilene Flannery Wells, Saugerties, NY
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