Tony Mantor

She brings a wealth of knowledge and we're thrilled to have her join us.

Thanks for joining us today.

What was it that led you to get into advocacy for those with serious mental illness?

In 2022, you did the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0, correct?

Since it's been passed and now that it's been implemented, what are some of the changes that you've seen come from it?

Now that the bill has been in effect for some time, you've observed it, you've seen how people are engaging with it, what adjustments or improvements would you suggest to better support those who might need the assistance that this bill addresses?

Yeah.

So what about AOT?

Does Massachusetts have an AOT law in place yet?

Yes.

So in your opinion, what do you think needs to be done in order to get AOT in place in your state?

Yeah, I've heard that the biggest hospital for the mentally ill in the country is the L.A.

County Prison.

Yeah.

Yes, we definitely have to find a way for that to change.

How do you get your point across to your fellow senators that if they can be treated, if they can be diverted away from the judicial system, that a very high percentage of those that go in front of a judge

and is diverted to a better facility will not show up in front of that judge again by this happening not only does it save the court its time but it saves the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions of dollars how do we get that point across to them that there is a better way

Right.

I was speaking with a gentleman one time about his son that was going through psychosis.

He had been in a situation where he had a conflict with the police at one time, and he was very afraid of them.