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12 <br />MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE REPORT <br />in encouraging local law enforcement personnel to participate in training. While the recent shooting of a UNC <br />student by a law enforcement officer did not occur within the boundaries of our county, the incident provides <br />a strong reminder of the need for spedal care and attention as law enforcement personnel handle individuals <br />with mental health issues. <br />Strong local government leadership around mental health/developmental disabilities/substance <br />abuse concerns <br />1. Use local government offices (Mayors and Managers) and legislative bodies (Counci/, Commissioners, <br />Aldermen) as platforms ("bully pulpits and vehic%s of support for campaigns/efforts to proactive/y <br />increase community awareness of mental health/deve%pmental disabilities/substance abuse issues and to <br />reduce associated socia/stigma. <br />The need for stronger political and community leadership ran clear as a theme through the deliberations <br />of the Task Force. We heard this in the pleas of those who spoke to us at our listening sessions and offered a <br />"public face" for the issue. We ourselves had long discussions about the importance of promoting a <br />"message" that would draw members of the community-at-large to a fuller understanding and realization that <br />we have many among us who are facing difficult challenges and who, often, are not living the comfortable <br />and "safe" lives that we assume. As one Task Force member articulated: What does it mean when it is quiet <br />in our towns and county? Is all well? NO. Something is wrong across our dedicated pool of service providers <br />and across our county. A group of community members who were already struggling are now challenged <br />almost beyond imagination. Yet, no alarm is being sounded by our political and community leadership. <br />We believe that the persistent work of message dissemination and awareness-raising could make a <br />difference for the mentally ill in our county. A clear message from our political leaders that we care about a// <br />our vu/nerab/e citizens would set a new tone for our community. The Task Force recommends that town and <br />county legislative bodies consider establishment of ongoing capacity for providing issue leadership over the <br />longer term. Possibilities indude: <br />^ Standing committee(s) of Commissioners/Town Council/Aldermen <br />^ Subcommittee(s) of Human Services Advisory groups <br />• Joint local government committee/group formed through Assembly of Governments <br />^ Capacity within Mayor/Manager offices <br />10 <br />