[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Kate L McLaughlin

Several years ago on the streets of San Francisco, my husband Mark and I simultaneously experienced both sides of a controversial issue. Our son Michael, freshly released from a psychiatric hospital where he’d received treatment for Bipolar Disorder walked with us. Much improved but still struggling with anxiety, low-level mania, and paranoia, he began to unravel as the day grew long.

Knowing we needed to get Michael back to the hotel, we decided to grab an early dinner. Just outside the restaurant the three of us encountered a homeless man who clearly suffered from symptoms much like Michael’s. Propelled by some magnetic force, these two young men gravitated toward one another with aggressive posturing and angry words. Had Mark not been present to intervene and lead Michael away, violence would have ensued. Instead, however, we guided our son toward greater calm while the other fellow spiraled out of control, his loud rantings echoing through the street until someone eventually called the police. Two young men. Both ill. One, with support, walked away. The other, on the street and alone, went to jail.

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Marty D. Omoto
Director/Organizer
California Disability Community Action Network

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

• More Community Providers Reaching Crisis Point
• Bakersfield Senior Program to Close Down

By Marty D. Omoto
Director/Organizer
California Disability Community Action Network

With the State not able to pay over $1 billion in reimbursements, with some exceptions, thousands of community-based providers have reached or are reaching crisis points that could mean reductions in critical services to seniors, children and adults with disabilities, low income children, people with mental health needs and others across California who are receive a wide range of programs and services, including those in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, adult day health centers serving seniors, independent living centers and more.

Last week, DSN, a statewide provider organization of health facilities, said that many nursing homes and intermediate care facilities that serve seniors and persons with developmental disabilities face the possibility of reductions in services or closure.

Bakersfield Senior Program Set to Close Friday: "Lost Faith in Government" Says Provider