Research from the Ruderman Family Foundation, a group focused on disability advocacy, reveals that individuals with disabilities make up roughly half of those killed in police encounters. Historians and disability specialists, such as David Perry and Lawrence Long, highlight a concerning trend: police are increasingly becoming the primary responders to mental health emergencies. A tragic example is the case of Marcus Knight, a veteran who was fatally shot by police in his apartment complex in 2015 while experiencing a mental health crisis. Suffering from bipolar disorder and off his medication, Knight was unarmed and naked during the incident. The officer involved was subsequently indicted, underscoring the urgent need for reform in mental health care across America.
As former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton emphasized the importance of providing quality mental health care to future generations—“without shame, stigma, or barriers.” According to the Kim Foundation, about 26.2 percent of American adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder annually, affecting an estimated 57.7 million people. Many individuals face additional challenges, such as substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness, or chronic health issues.
Clinton’s approach includes prioritizing early detection of mental health issues, such as postpartum depression (PPD), infant mental health, and childhood trauma. She proposes increasing funding for behavioral problem identification through schools and pediatricians, alongside advocating for comprehensive mental health programs in colleges. A nationwide suicide prevention initiative is also part of her agenda, targeting support for LGBT students and students of color, and engaging various health organizations.
In her vision, integrating mental and physical health care systems is essential, allowing for a holistic approach to health delivery. Clinton aims to provide mental health services in general health settings and increase the number of mental health professionals available. To prevent tragedies like Marcus Knight’s, she advocates for treatment over incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenders and calls for training law enforcement on crisis intervention techniques to effectively handle situations involving individuals with mental illness. Additionally, she plans to enforce the Mental Health Parity Act, which she co-sponsored, boost funding for brain research, and improve access to housing and employment opportunities for those in need.
In contrast, Donald Trump’s proposals for mental health reform remain vague, focusing on “reforming our mental health programs and institutions.” He argues that families often lack the necessary resources to support their loved ones and calls for bipartisan cooperation on promising legislative reforms. Trump also expresses a desire to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
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In summary, there is a critical need for comprehensive mental health reforms in the U.S., as highlighted by the differing approaches of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. While Clinton advocates for systemic integration and preventative measures, Trump’s plan appears less defined.