My family has painfully experienced how untreated mental illness is punished by the law instead of being addressed through proper care. We have witnessed our loved ones being treated like animals rather than humans. Being a Black mother, I see firsthand how race plays a pivotal role in the injustices faced by those with mental illness in our system. This is not just a personal crisis for my family; it is a societal failure that needs to be acknowledged and addressed immediately.

One stark example of this is the case of Jerome Pitts, who was sentenced to 33 years in prison without proper mental care or evaluation. Unfortunately, Jerome's story is not unique. This situation underscores a systemic issue where the state of Michigan chooses incarceration over treating mental health problems, capitalizing on the vulnerable instead of providing the necessary support.

Michigan's approach to mental health is woefully inadequate and contributes to the mass incarceration of those suffering from mental illnesses. Mental health hospitals, which should be safe havens and places of healing, have been overlooked and neglected, making incarceration a default option. More disturbing is the role race plays in this cycle of inequality, where mental patients, especially from minority communities, are locked away, feeding a system that benefits monetarily from this exploitation.

Studies highlight that individuals with mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and are underserved in terms of health care. Moreover, communities of color are disproportionately affected. It is critical that we acknowledge this issue and push for systemic changes, starting with the reopening of mental health hospitals and prioritizing mental health care across Michigan.

I call on state leaders, policymakers, and health care professionals to recognize and address the systemic flaws contributing to this crisis. We must advocate for the mentally ill to receive proper evaluations and care rather than punishment. It is time for Michigan to acknowledge the racial disparities and take action to prevent further injustice.

Please stand with me in demanding change. Let us advocate for humane treatment and equal rights for every citizen, regardless of race or mental health status. It's time for us to make mental health a top priority and for our state to take responsible action.

Sign this petition and join the fight to end the mass incarceration of mentally ill citizens in Michigan.