Assigned to HHS FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to HHS FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
mental health; support; Reyna Estrada
Purpose
Proclaims several issues facing persons with mental illness and their families in Arizona, declares Reyna Estrada's death as a result of the present state of the mental health system in Arizona and resolves that the Arizona Legislature recognize and address those issues.
Background
S.C.R. 1019 explains that adults with mental illness can be resistant to receiving treatment and not recognize their own illness. Usually a family member of an adult with mental illness is the first to recognize the illness but it is often difficult, if not impossible, to convince their loved one to receive treatment. S.C.R. 1019 explains that adults with mental illness in Arizona are often only given medication with no follow up as Arizona does not have sufficient resources to provide mental health treatment to all those who need it. S.C.R. 1019 states there are far too many tragedies that have resulted from the present state of Arizona's mental health system, such as the death of Reyna Estrada.
Reyna Isabel Estrada was 15 when she was killed by her 19-year-old brother on July 14, 2017. While Reyna's mother believed her son had a mental illness and attempted to convince him to seek help, she was ultimately unable to force him to receive treatment.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Details issues facing persons with mental illness and their families in Arizona.
2. States the death of Reyna Estrada occurred as a result of the present state of Arizona's mental health system.
3. Resolves that members of the Arizona Legislature recognize the mental health system exists to protect the public by providing treatment to those who cannot or will not voluntarily accept treatment.
4. Resolves that members of the Arizona Legislature recognize that families of a person with mental illness have the right to be treated with respect when seeking care for their family member.
5. Resolves that members of the Arizona Legislature recognize that the mental health system is confusing and complex for persons seeking help for themselves or a family member and those persons deserve help navigating the system.
6. Resolves that members of the Arizona Legislature recognize that it is their responsibility to ensure that the mental health system in Arizona works to benefit both the patients and the public.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 13, 2018
CRS/NW/lat