On July 29, 2026, our brother, father, and loving husband, Ryan Joe, became another victim of a system that failed him in his time of greatest need. On that fateful day, Ryan's wife desperately called for assistance, fearing for his safety. A judge recognized the urgency of the situation and promptly signed an order for a 72-hour hold. Tragically, upon arrival, the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office deputies failed to provide the necessary and immediate intervention that could have saved Ryan's life. They left him alone in his moment of vulnerability, and our family was left shattered.

Ryan's story is not an isolated incident. Across Kentucky, families face similar heart-wrenching experiences when they seek mental health crisis interventions. Without specialized crisis response teams, too often calls for help are handled by law enforcement who may lack the training and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing acute mental distress. This is why we are pushing for the establishment of Ryan's Law: a mandate for fully equipped and trained mental health crisis response teams in all 120 counties of Kentucky.

Every year, thousands of Kentuckians experience severe mental health crises, and sadly, many do not receive the appropriate care and support. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health disorders are among the leading causes of disability, affecting all corners of our communities. Despite these staggering statistics, available crisis intervention remains inadequate, compounding the risk of tragic outcomes like Ryan's.

Ryan's Law would ensure that each county has dedicated teams consisting of mental health professionals, who are trained in crisis intervention, available around the clock. These teams will be empowered to act swiftly and decisively, preventing unnecessary trauma and deaths by providing on-the-spot evaluations, de-escalation, and referrals to appropriate care services.

Through collaboration with local mental health institutions and law enforcement agencies, we can create comprehensive response protocols that prioritize the dignity, respect, and safety of individuals in crisis. This initiative is not only a moral imperative but a public health necessity to safeguard the lives of our loved ones.

Ryan's death was preventable, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing someone because of systemic gaps. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a change that will save lives and honor Ryan's memory by ensuring no one else is left abandoned in their darkest moments. Please support Ryan's Law and help us establish mental health crisis response teams in every county across Kentucky. Sign this petition and join us in demanding critical change.