Congressman pushes vital mental health reform to save lives

In a recent government meeting, significant resolutions were introduced aimed at addressing critical issues in mental health care and elder abuse awareness.

The first resolution supports the Michelle Alyssa Go Act, introduced by Congressman Dan Goldman, which seeks to tackle the severe shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds eligible for federal Medicaid funding. The proposed legislation aims to increase the cap on Medicaid-eligible inpatient psychiatric beds in care facilities from 16 to 36, effectively doubling the capacity for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. This act is named in memory of Michelle Go, a 40-year-old woman who tragically lost her life due to a violent incident involving a homeless man with untreated psychiatric issues. The resolution highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in the mental health care infrastructure, emphasizing that individuals suffering from mental illness are often more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators.

The second resolution declares June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in San Francisco, addressing the alarming rise in scams targeting older adults. The FBI reported over $3.4 billion in losses from scams aimed at individuals aged 60 and older in 2023, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The resolution underscores the devastating impact of these crimes, particularly within the bilingual Chinese community, where scammers exploit cultural familiarity to manipulate victims. It calls for increased community awareness and action to protect older adults, including training sessions organized by various local agencies to empower seniors with knowledge on recognizing and avoiding scams.

Both resolutions reflect a commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in San Francisco, urging community support for these critical initiatives.