Mental Health Organization Supports Issue 27

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is endorsing Issue 27, the sales tax increase that would pay to build a new jail and fund public safety programs.

The national organization supports people with mental illness and their families.

Here's what it said:

“Many of the repeat visitors to the county jail system are there due to mental illness and substance abuse. Issue 27 will finally address the county’s 70 percent recidivism rate through investment in reforms and treatment,” said David Ranz, NAMI executive director. “Let’s get it right – and stop locking up mentally ill and drug/alcohol addicted citizens. Instead, let’s hold them accountable for their own recovery.”