A recently completed survey on mental health issues across the Commonwealth has shown that an overwhelming 74% support assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). Currently Massachusetts is one of only three states in the country that does not have an AOT law enacted.

Completed by MassINC Polling Group, the survey of 500 registered voters across
Massachusetts also shows strong opinions on the state of mental health in the state. 85% of voters believe that untreated serious mental illness is a serious problem in Massachusetts and should be a top priority for our state. Meanwhile, 87% of voters say that people suffering from serious mental illness should be required to receive treatment if they are likely to be a danger to themselves or others.

“On Thursday, AOTNOW will present testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of the passage of H.1694 and S.980: An Act to provide critical community health services” said AOTNOW founders Ashoke and Vinita Rampuria. “There is a mental health crisis in communities across our state and the time for action is now. The legislature has a bill before it that would bring Massachusetts in line with 47 other states across the country and I truly hope to see it passed this year.”