Lawmakers vote to scrap archaic term in Arizona mental-health law

PHOENIX - Hoping to encourage people to get the treatment they need, state lawmakers gave final approval Monday to repealing outdated state laws referring to the mentally ill as "idiots."

Improvements in mental health care in the works

The following editorial appeared in Sunday's Washington Post:

Sarah Garrecht Gassen: We have to do something to promote mental health, so here's a start

People call newsrooms to share. A complaint about a story, a compliment, a question on anything from "why doesn't my TV show the game?" to "why won't Politician X call me back?"

Bill would ease lockup of dangerous mentally ill

PHOENIX - State lawmakers want to make it easier for police to lock up people they believe may be dangerously mentally ill. But at least one legislator fears the proposal could also sweep up those who are just a bit odd.

Behavioral- and mental-health help is available at new county website

Pima County has a new website that lists resources for people who want help with behavioral- and mental-health issues for themselves or others.

Brewer: Put more police in schools

PHOENIX - Parting ways with some other Republicans, Gov. Jan Brewer said Thursday that she does not want armed teachers, principals or volunteers in public schools.

Help at hand for mentally ill over holidays

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona is one of several local organizations promoting public awareness about resources for those living with mental illness.

Help at hand for mentally ill over holidays

It is not a holly, jolly Christmas or a happy Hanukkah for everyone, and several local nonprofit organizations want Tucsonans to know that help is at hand for individuals and families struggling with mental illness and behavioral disorders this holiday season - and all year 'round.

Bus stop murder suspect has police, mental health history

Whenever I'm speaking to journalism students, I make sure to tell them about "must reads."

Blog: Mental health kits for local churches

Interfaith Community Services in the Tucson area is offering free "mental health kits" for local churches.

With openness, she confronts the stigma of mental illness

Dental assistant Sarah Martin, left, and Dr. Galyna Flink check a patient's X-rays at Associated Dental. Martin, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, will be recognized with an award Friday for her efforts to raise awareness about mental illness.

With openness, she confronts the stigma of mental illness

Sarah Martin, left, now works part time at Associated Dental, one step in her disciplined approach to mental health. She has bipolar disorder. Above, she chats with Anna Petty, assistant back office manager at the dental practice.

With openness, she confronts the stigma of mental illness

Martin says it's difficult to tell others she has bipolar disorder, but she does it anyway because it helps people to put a face on mental illness.

With openness, she confronts the stigma of mental illness

When she tells people she has bipolar disorder, Sarah Martin prepares for the worst.

Report on Loughner’s mental condition due Thursday

The psychologist treating the Tucson shooter Jared Lee Loughner faces a Thursday deadline for turning in her latest report on efforts to make the suspect mentally fit to stand trial.

Blog: Arizona no longer allowed to ignore its own mental-health law

The deal struck last week in a key lawsuit ended an unfortunate chapter in Arizona's treatment of the seriously mentally ill. It vacated a court deal in which Arizona was allowed not to follow state law on providing treatment.

Suspect in child slaying deemed unfit for trial

After hearing hours and hours of testimony from several doctors over several days, Judge Deborah Bernini has declared Loretto "Kyle" Alegria mentally unfit to stand trial.

Progress on Arizona’s budget could end session this week

PHOENIX — The Arizona Legislature could adjourn its 2012 session by the end of the week if a new state budget is approved and other remaining work is completed.

VA overstates claims on timeliness of mental-health care

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs has greatly overstated how quickly it provides mental-health care for veterans, according to an inspector general’s report released Monday.