"They say justice is blind. It must be to ignore the plight of the mentally ill in America’s prisons." So writes Matthew Mangino for thecrimereport.org in introducing the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent two-part series on mental illness and incarceration. In his editorial "America's 'Mental Health Gulag,'" Mr. Mangino points to North Carolina as well as other states as examples of less than humane treatment and solutions.

Youth Psychiatric Treatment Center to Create 40 Jobs | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC

A company that provides psychiatric residential treatment services for at-risk male youths is upfitting a building on Hoffman Road that is scheduled to open in January and create about 40 new jobs.

via Youth Psychiatric Treatment Center to Create 40 Jobs | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC.

New Hanover County approves land sale for new mental health headquarters | Wilmington Star-News

The New Hanover County commissioners on Monday approved a sale of a portion of a 13-acre parcel where the Southeastern Center for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse is expected to build a new facility. Story continues here >>>

Time for the Governor to do the right thing with “adult care homes” | NC Policy Watch

She should work with advocates for persons with disabilities; not fight them

As was discussed at length in this space in 2010 and again this past summer, North Carolina has reached an important moment in the decades-old battle to end the warehousing of people with mental illness and other mental disabilities. Story continues here >>>

Forensic care could go private – NewsObserver.com

A major private prison operator that has faced lawsuits over inmate and employee treatment in other states is negotiating with North Carolina officials to run the state’s mental health treatment for people accused of serious crimes Story continues here >>>

Tar Heel of the Week: Raleigh officer shapes how police deal with mentally ill

Officer M.J. Macario has devoted much of his law enforcement career to keeping people out of jail.

In his eight years of police work, the former college professor and retail salesman has tackled a touchy and persistent problem -run-ins between police and the mentally ill that too often end with sick people sitting in jail cells instead of getting help.

via Tar Heel of the Week: Raleigh officer shapes how police deal with mentally ill – Wake County – NewsObserver.com.

Haley: Invest more in mental health | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC

COLUMBIA — Gov. Nikki Haley wants South Carolina to invest more in mental health services, a commitment advocates see as a lifeline for their struggling loved ones. Story continues here >>>