I strongly support outpatient civil commitment — including involuntary medication when required — for people suffering from serious mental illnesses ("Involuntary treatment pursued for mentally ill in Maryland," Dec. 10).
Such programs are already operating in most states, including nearby Pennsylvania and New York. Indeed, Maryland is one of only five states in the country that don't have such a program.
It is a life saving option for those who are unable to recognize the severity of their illness, such as victims of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It won't prevent all tragedies but it would go a long way toward reducing hospitalizations, incarcerations and family conflict.
The measure is being opposed in Maryland by those who think it violates a person's right to refuse medication or treatment. Opponents favor an "assertive" voluntary program instead.
But if purely voluntary programs worked, we wouldn't have to consider involuntary methods. That's why we need at least a pilot program to determine whether outpatient civil commitment can successfully be used to treat victims of severe mental illnesses with the compassionate care they deserve.
Pat Ranney, Millersville