- April 26, 2024
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Disentangle Baker Act patients from justice system
Dear Editor:
Megan Hoye's article, “Dangerous minds strain resources,” highlights a problem systemic to virtually every county in the United States: the plight of the seriously mentally ill due to lack of resources and under-funding of mental health services.
The mental health system is subservient to the general health care system, in part, because people with mental illnesses are stigmatized and feared, despite the fact that psychiatric patients are no more prone to violence than the general population. There is no need to involve the police in transporting involuntarily committed patients to emergency centers and then require officers to complete extensive paper work. Do we do the same for critically ill patients suffering a stroke or heart attack?
Until there are fundamental changes in the law and adequate mobile crisis teams to deal with psychiatric emergencies, Baker Act patients will continue to strain resources and commingle unnecessarily with the justice system. It is no wonder the United States does not even rank among the top 20 nations in health care outcomes, even though some of the greatest advances in medical care and technology can be found in our backyard — just not in my backyard!
Dr. Arthur Lazarus
Palm Coast
Thanks for publishing letters to the editor
Dear Editor:
Today, there were three letters that struck my fancy.
The first letter was from Edith Campins on the Town Center. My husband and I have joked many times about the so-called town center. She said it all, so thank you, Edith.
The second is from Michael Estes regarding the missing Flagler County school buses. I share his concerns and applaud him for alerting parents to be extra watchful. As parents, it has always been our priority to protect our children. Sadly, the norm is to look for dangers and hazards where we previously thought our children would be safe.
The third letter is from Deborah Susswein, commenting on the “Please Drive Safe” sign near Buddy Taylor Middle School. At this point, I cease to comment to avoid making a grammatical error myself.
Lastly, I thank you, the editor, for printing our letters. There are many caring citizens in Palm Coast, and we are privileged to learn how our neighbors feel about a variety of issues.
Donna Fitzgerald
Palm Coast
Surfers for Autism event touched hearts
Dear Editor:
I attended the Fourth-annual First Coast Surfers for Autism Beach Festival in Flagler Beach. As a first-time attendee, I was not sure what to expect. This family-friendly festival appeared to be designed specifically to provide opportunities for children with autism that they would not be likely to experience otherwise.
What I found was a community of people who had nothing but love in their hearts for others. In fact, this was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever encountered. It was heartwarming, welcoming and downright inspirational! Children were given the opportunity to go out on a surfboard, with multiple volunteers assisting each child.
For a full 25 minutes or so, each kid was a rock star. They received the complete attention and instruction from those who helped teach them to surf while keeping them safe, and came in to shore to crowds of onlookers applauding their efforts and successes. The sheer joy on the faces of these children brought tears to my eyes more than once.
We met people from all over the state of Florida (and some from Georgia) who came together for the purpose of enjoying a day at the beach. It felt like one giant family reunion. My grandson had the time of his life and he will never forget it!
I wanted to personally thank the organizers, the volunteers, the local businesses who supported this event and the community for stepping up and taking part in something truly special. It is unbelievable what good can be accomplished when people work together for the sake of someone else. We live in paradise — in more ways than one. May God bless you all.
Joan Whittemore
Palm Coast
Residents have to face reality with Palm Coast Parkway trees
Dear Editor:
I find it interesting that some people behave like an ostrich, not facing reality.
The trees have to be removed in order to complete the Palm Coast Parkway widening project. And new trees will be planted to replace the old trees.
However, the old trees with overhead branch canopies have to be trimmed for safety. Think of the consequences of a tree branch falling through a car windshield. Palm Coast is not Shangri-La. Without the proper planning, La-La Land could happen here.
Joseph Camarda
Palm Coast
