To the Editor:

I just read Donna Bennett’s letter to the editor titled “Mentally ill often neglected,” and I agree with her assessment that our country, state and county has not dealt with the problem in a viable, systematic way. 

Indeed, after reading a column by Jason Akst last August, I had intended to respond to our local mental health concerns, but I let the opportunity pass me by. With the Newtown tragedy, I feel now is the time to talk about mental health and focus directly on our community, especially since the Singer facility in Rockford has been closed as well as our local hospital facilities.