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Eye-popping stats on the mentally ill

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published December 20, 2006

Re: For mentally ill, help is lacking, Dec. 11 Times

The well-written article by Times staff writers Chandra Broadwater and Jonathan Abel shows an honest acknowledgement of mentally ill residents of Hernando County. The admission of the serious problem within the jail system for mentally ill inmates identifies another aspect of the problem.

Above-average figures for hospitalization in Hernando is a telltale sign of immense proportions. The article stated that in a mere three-month period (July-September 2006) there were 207 residents committed under the Baker Act. Of that 207, only 94 were between 23 and 64. That's a pretty large range of ages, which leaves a whopping 113 younger (or older) people who have been committed under the Baker Act.

Absorb that number carefully and the situation becomes even more of a disturbing realization of unforgiving proportions. The figures of people incarcerated under the Marchman Act for substance abuse appears to be approximately half as many as under the Baker Act.

I suspect there is a larger number of undiagnosed people with mental illness of one type or another in Hernando County. I contend from my experience since moving to Spring Hill in July 2005 there are an untold number of residents who fit into the mental illness category due to illicit drug use and the use of prescription drugs not intended for those who thrive on the effects of those prescription drugs. Having talked to pharmacists in the area, there was an immediate acknowledgement of this problem. It was brought to my attention by the number of "pain management" offices that accommodate those in need. It's a money-making business that is out of control.

As stated in the article, more than half of the 207 committed under the Baker Act make less than $15,000 per year. When they live at home or in what can be considered modern-day communes, what need is there to earn any more money than what is necessary to feed their habit? They don't eat properly due to effects of the drugs. Due to their lack of concern for steady, responsible work, there is no health insurance for the majority of these poor souls.

At any rate, I have the impression there is a lack of honest concern for the state of drug trafficking in Hernando County.

Ron Rae, Spring Hill

Reflections on issues in news

I'd like to take a moment and reflect on a few issues facing the community today. First, let me say to Vilmar Tavares that if he wants a blog with hate speech spewed all over it, buy a server and make it so.

To the sore loser and the opportunist in the County Commission seat fight, the commissioner-elect should be sworn in and the supervisor of elections should take full blame for everything because she didn't make sure the person running was legally living in the area. If that isn't her job, then I don't know what is.

Last, but not least, I applaud U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's right to defend the mouth of Tom Hogan Sr. and his wife, Mary Ann. But I find it rather funny that she waited until after she's voted into office to say anything. By the way, why is it okay now for people to speak their minds, but it wasn't when Brown-Waite was backing the war in Iraq.

Jane Kukla, Spring Hill

In development, respect is the key

I'm born and raised in Hernando County. I've seen its growth. It's overwhelming, to say the least. We have a beautiful county. We need to make sure it remains that way.

There are many developers in this area. And, whether we like it or not, if it's Hickory Hill or some other subdivision, the land eventually will be developed. The developer for this land should be a company that has earned our respect and who gives back respect to the community and its landowners. It is the county's duty to make sure the right development is planned for this area.

This proposed development is going to help the county by paying for much-needed roads and schools. Sierra Properties has prided itself as one of the best by developing well-known communities and improving the natural resources around them. We can see in other Sierra Properties developments the company's professionalism and reputation.

That is why Hickory Hill is going to be as beautiful as the property it sits on. I support Hickory Hill and I'm counting on the commissioners to approve it.

Marla Cioni, Brooksville

Your voice counts

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[Last modified December 20, 2006, 06:21:17]