Mental Illness and the Police - Sue Abderholden, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness - Minnesota

In a three-part series, we expand on FNVW’s research/policy paper, exploring the de-escalation of interactions between people with mental illnesses and the police. We’ll hear three different perspectives: 1) a mental health advocate 2) a crisis intervention trainer, therapist, and former police officer and 3) an individual with a mental illness. During the series, we’ll learn more about mental illness, past and present challenges around police interactions with people experiencing a mental health crisis, and steps for addressing those challenges.

First, "Everyday Nonviolence” host, Diane Sandberg, talks with Sue Abderholden. Sue has devoted her career to changing laws and attitudes that affect people with disabilities and their families.  Since the fall of 2001, she has served as the Executive Director for NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Additionally, Sue has held leadership positions with Arc of Minnesota, former U.S. Senator Paul D. Wellstone’s staff, and PACER Center.  She is a community faculty member for the U of MN School of Social Work teaching health and mental health policy. 

More information on NAMI Minnesota is available at https://namimn.org.