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Smart Talk: Involuntary commitment is a lifeline for some

One family's daughter, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, doesn't believe she needs treatment

Martha and Paul Stringer stand near a box of their daughter Kim’s art from when she was in school. Martha said Kim left the art with them for safe keeping.

 Brett Sholtis / Transforming Health

Martha and Paul Stringer stand near a box of their daughter Kim’s art from when she was in school. Martha said Kim left the art with them for safe keeping.

Transforming Health reporter Brett Sholtis has been traveling the state covering involuntary commitment, the legal process that can require people with severe mental illness to undergo treatment. He joined Smart Talk to discuss the policy in Pennsylvania.

Hear Brett’s story about one woman and her family’s challenges here.

Key Points: 

0:30 – Kim Stringer’s story

5:40 – Audio clips of Brett’s report

11:49 – What can we do to make this better?

14:50 – Act 106

For more on involuntary commitment — plus a deeper look at the changing tide of healthcare — check out WITF’s Transforming Health, a partnership of WITF, WellSpan Health and Capital Blue Cross.

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