The January 8, 2011 Tucson Shooting

The January 8, 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, cannot help but focus Arizona’s attention on the concerns contained in a December report by Arizona State University’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy and Morrison Institute for Public Policy (Shafer & Hart, 2010). Preparing for the Storm drew from a panel discussion among leaders and advocates in mental health and substance abuse treatment, criminal justice and child welfare. The discussion occurred in late July, on the heels of massive cuts to Arizona’s already fragile public behavioral health system. The report notes the more than $60 million reduction (47% of total budget) in mental health and substance abuse treatment services, and the suspension of a 30-year mental health services lawsuit, Arnold v. Sarn. Both panelists and participants shared their urgent concerns about the potential impact that such cuts could have upon Arizonans afflicted with mental illness and upon society in general. To read the report, click here.

To read the ASU 2009 Town Hall Report on the state of Mental Health Services in Arizona, click here.