Michigan City officials OK mental health facilty near homes

MICHIGAN CITY | Some Michigan City area residents have lost their bid to keep a mental health treatment facility out of their neighborhood.

Federal inspectors gave Lake County Jail good marks, sheriff says

CROWN POINT | Federal inspectors gave Sheriff John Buncich credit for new improvements in health care for Lake County Jail inmates.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Action, not blame, needed for mental health

In the aftermath of recent tragedies, many of us are asking what we can do to prevent future instances of violence. Most of the discussion has centered around guns, but strengthening America’s mental health system is just as important.

Judge outlines goals for new job as head of DCS

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura will soon trade her judge's robes for a new job involving the welfare of children.

DCS official: First leg of pilot project went 'better than planned'

INDIANAPOLIS | The first phase of state officials' plan to close the gap in mental health services for children has been a success, one official said.

Valpo School Board hears safety, security ideas

VALPARAISO | The issues of safety and security in the schools should not become less important as recent school shooting events fade into the past, Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Michael Berta warned the board and residents Wednesday.

EDITORIAL: Probe mental health care in prisons

Incoming Gov. Mike Pence should make it one of his first tasks to address concerns about how mentally ill inmates are treated in the Department of Correction system.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The power to help heal one another

As our nation searches for answers following the incident in Newtown, Conn., the usual discussion about gun control is now joined by a conversation about mental health and the availability of treatment services to those in need. It is a conversation we should welcome.

Dealing with grief, sadness at the holidays

The egg nog is flowing, the lights are twinkling and words like "joy" and "jolly" are in season. But not everyone feels that joy or is in the mood for holiday festivities.

Illinois sparking a refugee health care revolution

A movement spreading across Illinois is creating a health care revolution for refugees from countries including Burma, Bhutan and Iraq.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Urge Congress to OK bills on mental illness

With national elections over, our country faces many challenges and many possible paths forward. Whatever your political ideology or personal leanings, I ask you to join the fight for smart, efficient, cost-effective legislation for mental health care services throughout our nation so all Am…

State officials offer solution to meet mental health needs of children

INDIANAPOLIS | State officials unveiled a plan Monday hoping to ensure parents don't have to plead guilty to neglect in order to secure services for their children with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities.

GUEST COMMENTARY: You can recover from mental illness, substance abuse

All around us in Northwest Indiana, people are in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. These individuals contribute to our businesses, connect with their families and give back to the community. But if we want more people to join them on the path to recovery, then we n…

EDITORIAL: A unique vantage point for reform

State Rep. Cindy Noe, R-Indianapolis, chairs the Indiana General Assembly's Indiana Commission on Mental Health and Addiction. She also co-chairs the Department of Child Services Interim Study Committee. This connection could prove useful for Hoosier children and their parents.

Legislative committee to discuss unmet mental health needs of children

INDIANAPOLIS | A legislative commission slated to discuss the unmet mental health needs of Hoosier children will have its first meeting Aug. 27.

Fewer high-priced drugs are remedy for Lake jail budget

CROWN POINT | Lake County Jail officials say they recently put a cap on skyrocketing prescription drugs for inmates.

Times reporter wins award for coverage of children's issues

INDIANAPOLIS | An Indiana judicial group honored a Times reporter Friday for her ongoing coverage of the struggles of families throughout the state in obtaining services for children with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities.

Gregg seeks reforms to protect children, promote adoption

INDIANAPOLIS | Democrat John Gregg vowed Monday to use a portion of Indiana's more than $2 billion budget reserve to reform the Department of Child Services and promote adoption if he's elected governor.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Stress can hurt body as much as it hurts mind

Recent studies suggest that over a third of Americans are living with extreme stress. In this time of high unemployment and financial uncertainty, that statistic is probably not surprising. What can be a surprise is the fact that stress affects your body as much as it affects your mind. Stre…

Walks in the park can nurture mental agility

Taking time during your day to stroll amid the flowers and trees, trek along the lakefront or hike through the forest preserve could help boost memory and mental agility, a recent study says.