A Peoria woman, Denise Ackerman, who tragically lost her sister to a shooting involving mental illness over 20 years ago, is lamenting the lack of progress in mental health care accessibility. Ackerman’s nephew, Matthew Brower, shot and killed his mother before taking his own life during a psychotic episode. She believes that a recent incident involving a Chandler teen, who also turned violent during a mental health crisis, mirrors her own family’s experience.
Both families had sought in-patient treatment for their loved ones but were reportedly turned away, highlighting a persistent issue in mental health care accessibility. Ackerman has been advocating for improvements in mental health care in Arizona for 26 years but feels little has changed.
According to Mental Health America, Arizona ranks 49th in the nation for adult mental health care, reinforcing Ackerman’s concerns. She recalls Matthew’s struggle with schizophrenia, which began when he was just 16. Despite efforts to find him help, including through Arizona’s Medicaid system, AHCCCS, continuous care was not provided, and tragedy ensued.
Ackerman recounts the heartbreaking moment when authorities informed her sister that she had to take Matthew back home or he would be left on the streets due to the lack of suitable care options. Despite assurances from social workers that Matthew would not harm them, the worst happened on March 31, 1998.
After losing her sister and nephew in such a tragic manner, Ackerman hoped that her legal actions against the state for refusing care and against K-Mart for improperly selling Matthew the gun during an episode would bring about change. However, she still feels let down by the lack of progress.
The recent case involving 19-year-old Jeremiah Blair, who attempted to kill his parents during a manic episode despite efforts by his family to seek help, has further underscored Ackerman’s concerns. She empathizes with the Blair family, feeling as though history is repeating itself.
Despite her own legal victories, Ackerman remains saddened by the lack of advancement in mental health care accessibility. She continues to advocate for change, hoping that tragedies like those experienced by her family and the Blair family can be prevented in the future.
