While May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, for many families in Alaska, “awareness” isn’t enough. As the policy director for the National Shattering Silence Coalition, I see a troubling trend—a standard of neglect.
In 2020, my daughter Angelia was diagnosed with schizophrenia. As her guardian and caregiver since 2023, I’ve witnessed the struggle to find proper care. Angelia has been at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute since October 2025, an unfortunately common situation for many in our state. The cost of her care is staggering—around $2,500 a day, totaling approximately $75,000 each month. Since her stay began, that adds up to roughly $525,000.
This systemic neglect is more than just a matter of ethics; it also has serious economic consequences. A report highlighted that the United States faces a “neglect tax” estimated at $343 billion each year—stemming from emergency room visits, homelessness, and incarceration. In Alaska, we’re seeing dangerously long wait times in emergency departments and a fierce shortage of psychiatric beds.
We must shift from merely containing mental health crises within our criminal justice system to ensuring quality clinical care. As mental health advocates argue, individuals should have the right to health and well-being, not just the right to be unwell.
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue; it impacts our whole community. As conversations about mental health continue to grow, it’s crucial that we move from awareness to action.
— Krista Schooley, Soldotna
For further insights, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides resources and advocacy for mental health issues nationwide. You can explore more about this topic here.
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