Underutilized Law: Washington County’s
According to the main monitor, the “Yellow Flag” Law has only been used once in four years, despite a growing rate of gun violence and suicide. Washington County in Maine has a special law called the “yellow flag” law. This law is meant to help people who are in danger of hurting themselves or others. But, despite a lot of gun violence and suicide in the county, the police have only used this law once in four years.
Washington County Police Departments Get Few Mental Health Calls, but Other Departments See an Increase
The police in Washington County say they don’t get many calls about mental health issues. But other police departments in the state say they are getting more and more calls about mental health. The police department in Aroostook County, for example, has gotten over 1,000 mental health calls in just one year.
Lack of Access to Care: Experts Say Limited Access to Mental Health Care is a Major Factor in Washington County’s High Rates of Gun Violence and Suicide
Experts think that people in Washington County don’t have access to mental health care because they don’t have insurance or can’t find a doctor to see them. This makes it hard for people to get help when they need it.
Community Connections: Experts Think Strong Relationships Between People in Small Communities Like Washington County
Some experts think that the strong relationships between people in small communities like Washington County can be an advantage. They think that if people feel comfortable talking to their friends and family about their problems, they might be more likely to get help.
Addressing the Crisis
The Problem of Gun Violence and Suicide in Washington County is Serious, and the Police Need More Resources and Support to Help People Who Are Struggling with Mental Health Issues. The problem is serious, and the police need more resources and support to help people who are struggling with mental health issues.