State Deaf Association Sue State

The Missouri Association of the Deaf is suing the state over its mental health services. The suit says the Missouri Department of Mental Health doesn't provide mental health professionals who are fluent in American Sign Language or properly trained interpreters. The suit points to 3 recent suicides in the St. Louis area as evidence that deaf patients are not receiving adequate care. Some 1100 people in Missouri need mental health assistance. Rather than hiring more interpreters, the group wants better training for therapists and counselors.