GOP candidates advocate for the revival of mental hospitals.
Crime and Homelessness Take Center Stage in 2024 Presidential Campaign
Crime and homelessness have become major focal points in the 2024 presidential campaign, capturing the attention of Republican voters who are concerned about the rising lawlessness in the country.
Beyond the typical calls for increased police presence and the clearing of homeless encampments, a few presidential candidates have resurrected an idea from the past - the revival of mental institutions that were largely closed down in the 1980s.
Bringing Back Mental Institutions: A Controversial Proposal
“Over the same period that we sought closure of mental health institutions, we have seen a spike in violent crime in this country,” said Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and 2024 GOP hopeful. “That doesn’t mean drugging up a bunch of people with Zoloft and Seroquel. It means restoring purpose, faith-based approaches and otherwise. But those are politically incorrect discussions right now. Cops doing their jobs and mental health institutions, I say bring both of those things back.”
Ramaswamy is not alone in this idea. GOP front-runner Donald Trump has also expressed support for reviving mental hospitals, advocating for strict bans on urban camping in favor of treatment or arrest.
Advocates argue that bringing back mental institutions would not only promote clean and safe cities but also provide better care for mentally ill individuals who are currently sleeping outdoors or incarcerated.
While Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida hasn’t fully endorsed the idea, he believes that deinstitutionalization may have been a mistake, stating, “We used to have more of an institutional process where people would be institutionalized, who couldn’t function in society.”
Trump, DeSantis, and Ramaswamy are the top three candidates in the GOP race, indicating widespread support for mental hospitals among Republican voters.
However, it’s important to note that campaign promises and actual implementation are two different things.
The Controversial History of Mental Institutions
Mental institutions have always been a subject of controversy, dealing with individuals who struggle to function in society. The opposition against them gained momentum in the 1950s and ’60s, fueled by the release of new drugs for mental illness treatment and influential figures like French philosopher Michel Foucault and novelist Ken Kesey.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act, aiming to shift away from large state-funded hospitals towards community mental health centers. However, stable funding for this transition was never secured.
Some argue that Ronald Reagan played a role in the closure of mental institutions. As California governor, he signed a bill ending involuntary commitment, and critics claim that he pushed for similar changes at the federal level during his presidency. However, this is a disputed claim.
“It is a left-wing myth that Reagan closed mental institutions,” said Reagan biographer Craig Shirley. “During the Reagan administration, the ACLU went to court and said mental patients were being held against their will and they needed to be released. They argued their constitutional rights were being violated.”
Regardless of the reasons, the closure of mental institutions in the 1980s led to what some describe as a “manufactured homeless crisis” that persists today.
Bringing back mental hospitals would require a significant effort in Washington, involving Congress, the president, and substantial funding.
The Challenge of Involuntary Commitment
One of the most contentious issues surrounding mental hospitals is involuntary commitment. How can the concept align with traditional conservative values of limited government?
Details on how the candidates would implement their ideas are scarce at this point. However, Ramaswamy’s Communications Director, Tricia McLaughlin, has stated that he plans to unveil a comprehensive plan on mental health in America in the coming months.
Trump has previously expressed support for bringing back mental institutions, particularly after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. However, he did not follow through on this pledge during his remaining time in office.
While mental health advocates have concerns about Trump’s approach, arguing that former hospital patients are not more prone to committing crimes, others, like Betsy Smith from the National Police Association, believe that mental hospitals could provide a necessary alternative for dealing with violent individuals.
The Link Between Mental Health and Homelessness
Aside from crime, there is evidence linking mental health issues to homelessness. For example, a 2015 San Francisco Homeless Count found that 55% of the homeless population reported having emotional or psychiatric conditions.
However, the cost of establishing modern state mental facilities would be substantial, estimated at $150,000 per patient per year. Campaign promises alone will not secure such funding.
What were the unintended consequences of the closure of mental institutions, particularly in relation to the mentally ill population?
Eeded to be released. Reagan had no choice but to abide by the court’s decision.”
Regardless of the cause, the closure of mental institutions had unintended consequences. The mentally ill population soon found themselves without proper care or support, leading to an increase in homelessness and involvement in criminal activities.
The Potential Benefits of Reviving Mental Institutions
Advocates argue that bringing back mental institutions would offer several benefits to both society and the mentally ill population.
Firstly, it would provide a safe and structured environment for individuals who struggle to function in society. Mental institutions could offer comprehensive care, including therapy, medication management, and vocational training, to help patients reintegrate into the community.
Secondly, reestablishing mental hospitals could alleviate the strain on law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Mentally ill individuals often end up in jail due to a lack of resources and appropriate treatment options. By providing dedicated mental healthcare facilities, individuals could receive the help they need while reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.
Lastly, mental institutions could potentially reduce the number of homeless individuals on the streets. Many homeless people suffer from mental illnesses, and without proper care, their conditions worsen, making it more difficult for them to seek stable housing. By offering mental healthcare and support within an institutional setting, individuals can receive the necessary treatment to improve their mental well-being and reintegrate into society.
The Roadblocks to Reviving Mental Institutions
Reviving mental institutions is not without its challenges. One major concern is the potential for abuse and violation of individuals’ rights within these institutions. History has shown that mental institutions can quickly become sites of mistreatment and neglect, with patients subjected to inhumane conditions and practices.
Another challenge is the cost of reestablishing and maintaining mental hospitals. Building and staffing these facilities would require significant investment, placing a burden on state and federal budgets. Critics argue that resources would be better allocated towards community-based mental health services and programs.
Furthermore, bringing back mental institutions may face opposition from advocates of deinstitutionalization. Over the years, the focus has shifted towards community-based care and integrating individuals back into society. Some argue that this approach allows for more individual freedom and autonomy, and that mental institutions perpetuate stigma and isolation.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
While the revival of mental institutions presents a potential solution to the pressing issues of crime and homelessness, it is important to recognize that a multi-faceted approach is necessary.
Efforts should be made to invest in community mental health centers, providing accessible and quality care for individuals with mental illnesses. This includes expanding mental health services, providing adequate funding, and training mental health professionals.
Addressing the issue of homelessness requires a comprehensive approach, which includes affordable housing initiatives, job training programs, and supportive services for those in need. Substance abuse and addiction treatment should also be integrated into these efforts, as many homeless individuals struggle with these issues.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding crime, homelessness, and mental health should move beyond simplistic solutions and focus on long-term strategies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals involved. Only through comprehensive and collaborative efforts can we create a society that supports and cares for those most vulnerable among us.
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