My son battled with schizophrenia. The voices and hallucinations that haunted him were too overwhelming, and they led him to seek solace on the streets. Sadly, my son's situation culminated in a tragic overdose, leaving him dead.

His story isn't unique. Across the streets of Boulder, many individuals facing severe mental health challenges and drug addiction find themselves in perilous situations. They are trapped in a cycle where their conditions prevent them from making informed decisions about their own well-being.

Our current system too often leaves these vulnerable individuals to fend for themselves, disregarding the critical need for enforced treatment. When individuals pose a danger to their health and safety due to mental illness or addiction, proactive intervention is crucial.

Colorado's current legislation does not provide sufficient mechanisms to ensure that those who are unable to make decisions for themselves receive the necessary treatment. This gap results in preventable tragedies like my son's.

Implementing enforced treatment policies would not infringe on rights but rather protect those who cannot protect themselves. It's about compassion, understanding, and ensuring safety and dignity for all residents. Boulder can lead the way in reforming these policies by working closely with mental health professionals to craft legislation that respects both individual rights and public safety.

Support this petition to urge Boulder lawmakers to develop and implement comprehensive policies that enforce treatment for homeless individuals unable to make safe decisions due to mental illness or addiction. For the sake of those on the streets now and in memory of my son, we must act now.

Please sign this petition to bring change and save lives in Boulder.