About this episode
Send us a text Leslie Carpenter, co-founder of Iowa Mental Health Advocacy and Legislative Advocacy Manager at the Treatment Advocacy Center, shares her journey from concerned mother to dedicated mental health advocate after her son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder 19 years ago. She discusses the barriers families face when seeking help for loved ones with severe mental illness and her multi-level approach to creating systemic change. • Leslie advocates at both state and national levels, tracking legislation across all 50 states • Mental health reform requires community-based collaboration, state-level policy changes, and federal action • Creating empathy for those with severe mental illness requires sharing stories and humanizing affected individuals • Current laws often prevent intervention until someone becomes dangerous, causing unnecessary suffering • Progress is happening with Crisis Intervention Team training for police and mental health courts • First responders, including 911 operators, need specialized training to properly handle mental health crises • The 988 crisis line offers an alternative to 911 for mental health emergencies • Hope is crucial - people with severe mental illness can attend college, build careers, and lead fulfilling lives with proper treatment If you know anyone who would like to share their story on Why Not Me? The World, send them to TonyMantor.com/Contact. Please tell everyone everywhere about our show and the inspiration our guests provide. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.