Tragic Death of Irvo Otieno calls for urgent Mental Health training for law enforcement.
Black Mental Health Matters Inc
To provide holistic and culturally sensitive mental healthcare And eradicate stigma amongst Black communities.
The tragic death of Irvo Otieno has brought to light the dire need for law enforcement to receive mental health training.
Irvo was a 28-year-old Black man who was restrained in handcuffs and leg irons ,taken to Central State Hospital for treatment of mental health issues but instead of receiving the care he needed, they ended his life in the facility.
Shocking surveillance footage from the hospital revealed that 7 Henrico County Sheriff's deputies and 3 hospital workers dragged Irvo into an admissions room and piled on top of him, resulting in his death by asphyxiation after 11 minutes.
Unfortunately, Irvo's death is not an isolated incident. There are many cases of Black individuals with mental illness being killed by police officers who are not trained or equipped to handle mental health crises. For example, Tanisha Anderson, a 37-year-old Black woman with schizophrenia, was killed in 2014 when Cleveland police officers forcibly restrained her face-down on the pavement, causing her death by asphyxiation. Pamela Turner, a 44-year-old Black woman with mental illness, was shot and killed by a Baytown, Texas police officer in 2019 after she yelled, "I'm pregnant," and attempted to flee. Charleena Lyles, a 30-year-old Black woman with mental health issues, was shot and killed by Seattle police officers in 2017 after she called 911 to report a burglary and then reportedly threatened the officers with knives.
These stories highlight the systemic racism and institutional discrimination that contribute to the violence and oppression faced by Black individuals with mental illness. Law enforcement officers must be trained to de-escalate mental health crises and provide appropriate medical care, as their lack of training and understanding can lead to needless and tragic outcomes. Without this training, innocent individuals like Irvo Otieno, Tanisha Anderson, Pamela Turner, and Charleena Lyles will continue to be victimized and killed.
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At Black Mental Health Matters, we express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Irvo Otieno. We condemn this senseless act of violence and stand in solidarity with his family in demanding justice for Irvo. We also call on all healthcare providers and institutions to prioritize cultural competency and anti-racism in their practices and policies to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity, receive the care and support they need.
The healthcare system has been plagued by discrimination and violence against Black individuals seeking mental health support. It is unacceptable that individuals seeking mental health support continue to face violence and discrimination within the healthcare system. We must address the systemic racism and biases that perpetuate these injustices and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive mental health system.
As an organization ,we remain committed to advocating for the mental health and well-being of Black communities around the world. The tragedy of Irvo Otieno's death has galvanized us to redouble our efforts to promote awareness and education around mental health issues within the Black community. We aim to empower individuals to seek help when needed and to ensure that they receive compassionate and culturally sensitive care.
It is time for change. We must demand better police training and treatment for individuals suffering from mental illness. This can potentially save lives in the future, preventing further unnecessary loss and trauma for families and communities. The tragic deaths of Irvo Otieno, Tanisha Anderson, Pamela Turner, and Charleena Lyles are a call to action for addressing the dire need for mental health training for law enforcement.