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1. Mike Earley is told by mental health professionals that his bipolar illness was no reason to be embarrassed. (216) Unfortunately, each time he tried to get a job as soon as the word “bipolar” was said, the interviews were over. (217) The bias against him was very clear. The one job he did get let him go after his misdemeanors were brought to light. Many personnel departments have strict rules about who they hire. What are your feelings on these policies? What can be done to assist those people with mental health issues who want to work? Probationary employment contracts?
2. Pete Earley addresses the issue of CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) for law enforcement officers dealing with the mentally ill on the streets. Earley quotes Lieutenant Cochran as saying there is a “real prejudice” against the mentally ill. Cochran continues: “Unfortunately, the police mirror that, and Hollywood magnifies it by always showing mentally ill persons as violent and dangerous and sadistic.” (354) Do you agree?
Submitted by Bonnie Akkerman I pledge…