I am writing to you about Mental Illness.  In May of 2021 my niece Diamond committed suicide.  Diamond was an amazing girl who was a high school graduate and a college graduate with BA.  She loved her family and animals and was beautiful person.  2 years ago Diamond presented with Schizophrenia.  Her mother went to several local agencies in Nebraska and no one would help her because Diamond was over 18 years of age. 

Since her death I have found that NY has a law-Kendra’s Law which provides relief for families and loved ones of those with a mental illness to get help (https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/kendras-law/kendras-law-overview.html  NAMI assisted in producing a study in 2005 entitled:   "Kendra's Law: A Final Report on the Status of Assisted Outpatient Treatment", done by New York State's Office of Mental Health, concluded, "Over a three year period prior to their AOT order, almost all (97%) had been hospitalized (with an average of three hospitalizations per recipient), and many experienced homelessness, arrest, and incarceration. During participation in the AOT program, rates for hospitalizations, homelessness, arrests, and incarcerations have declined significantly, and program participants have experienced a lessening of the stress associated with these events.

California based their law from Kendra's Law named Laura’s Law.  However, each county can make their own determination as to implementing this law. 

I believe that Kendra’s law should be enacted Nationwide to make it a standard across all states to assist families who have a loved one with mental illness.  I believe that this standard will help with gun violence, suicide, homelessness and so much more. 

Please contact Kay Greenwood to discuss any ways you can help.

Kay Greenwood

448 Manchester Way

Vacaville, CA  95687

E: buffykay2121@gmail.com

C:  707-628-4512