After reading the article (BDN, Sept. 29), “Dad accused in stabbing had sought help,” our group, Bangor Alliance for the Mentally Ill, felt anger and dismay. We fail to understand the logic in refusing someone help.

The article indicated the referral to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s emergency room was to rule out the possibility of a physical problem. This does not make sense. If someone were to walk into an ER complaining of chest pain he or she would not be refused help saying, “You have to go to another facility, you may have another illness.” Rather, steps would be taken to treat the emergency, not rule out other possibilities.

If someone enters a mental health facility seeking help the facility should be responsible for treating this person then and there, especially since it is well known that mental illness can affect greatly one’s capacity to think realistically and rationally. The members of our group could go on for days recounting horrible stories of how our loved ones have, in the depths of their illness, deteriorated to the point of attempting suicide or resorting to drastic measures trying to escape their suffering. We have begged for help for them and sometimes are refused, they are inadequately treated, go through a four- to six-hour admittance process or wait for months to see a professional.

The laws regarding psychiatric treatment were changed a few decades ago to protect people from being put away for the rest of their lives. It is vital that these laws are changed and mental health facilities are made responsible to protect the ill, their loved ones and all citizens. How many innocent people have to be hurt or killed before these laws are changed? Carol A. Gorecki National Alliance for the Mentaly Ill Bangor affiliate