I'm reaching out to you for a friend of mine in a dire situation. Yes, we both are making calls around the city to see if we can find some help. But it never hurts to reach out to the people as well.

My friend lives her unstable, mentally ill aunt who is also very verbally and physically abusive.

The woman has been held at Baptist Hospital a few times, as well as at other short term facilities. She does not have insurance and refuses to fill out the renewal paperwork for Medicaid or SSI. Adult Protection Services won't help because the woman isn't being physically abused herself.

She was arrested again tonight after getting into a physical altercation with my friend again, and my friend was told that the police would only hold the woman for a night... And was advised that it would be pointless to press charges because the woman is elderly and disabled, and the DEA would refuse the case.

I, of all people, know how incredibly difficult our mental healthcare system is to navigate. But this woman needs an extended living situation where they'll make sure she takes her medication, and where she cannot hurt herself or those around her.

Please, we need all the help we can get.