My name is Leah Kottmyer, and I lost my daughter, Natalie Melissa Girod, to the unforgivable failures of the mental health system. Natalie was only 18. She battled paranoid psychosis, PTSD, and major depression. A judge ordered her to a 60-day psychiatric hold because she was a danger to herself and desperately needed help.

But the system failed her. After just two days, she was released—taken to a residence where she wasn’t even allowed. Less than 24 hours later, on April 5th, 2025, she died in her sleep. Alone, confused, and betrayed by a system that should have protected her.

This is every mother’s nightmare. And it should never have happened.

I am fighting to pass Natalie’s Law—a bill that will:

Stop facilities from releasing patients before they’re stabilized

Ensure court-ordered psychiatric holds are fully honored
Mandate clear, compassionate communication with families before discharge
Hold facilities accountable when their negligence leads to harm or death

Natalie didn’t give up on life. She was failed by a system that gave up on her. If you believe that every life matters, that mental illness deserves dignity and respect, and that no family should ever face this kind of loss—please sign this petition.

Help me make sure no other mother has to bury her child because a hospital chose convenience over care.

Say her name. Sign for justice. Demand accountability.

#NataliesLaw #JusticeForNatalie #MentalHealthMatters