Digest

This podcast episode recounts the heartbreaking story of Miles Hall, a young man who struggled with schizoaffective disorder and tragically lost his life at the hands of police. The episode follows Ton Hall, Miles' mother, as she navigates the complexities of the mental health system, seeking help for her son during his mental health crisis. The episode highlights the challenges Ton Hall faced in getting Miles the help he needed, including the limitations of the mental health system, which often requires individuals to be a danger to themselves or others to qualify for involuntary hospitalization. It also explores the systemic issue of criminalizing individuals with mental health challenges, even when they are not posing a real threat. The episode culminates in Miles' death at the hands of police, a tragic outcome that underscores the need for systemic change in the way mental health emergencies are handled. Ton Hall's story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of a lack of resources and the importance of advocating for a 24/7 non-police response to mental health crises.

Outlines

00:00:00

Content Warning and Introduction

This podcast episode features real experiences, often including traumatic events. Listeners are advised to consult the show notes for specific content warnings and support services.

00:00:09

Summer Rebroadcast Series

This episode is part of a six-week summer rebroadcast series, featuring previously aired episodes. New episodes will resume on September 10th.

00:00:26

Miles Hall's Story: A Mother's Struggle for Help

This episode tells the story of a mother's struggle to get help for her son, Miles, who was experiencing mental health challenges. The episode explores the challenges of navigating the mental health system and the tragic consequences of a lack of resources.

00:02:19

Miles Hall's Story: Growing Up and Finding Identity

Ton Hall shares her personal story of growing up as a mixed-race woman and finding her identity. She discusses the challenges of being judged for her race and the importance of connecting with both sides of her family.

00:04:07

Miles Hall's Story: Family Life and Early Signs of Mental Health Struggles

Ton Hall describes meeting her husband, Scott, and starting a family at a young age. She shares the joys and challenges of raising her children, Miles and Alexis, and the early signs of Miles' mental health struggles.

00:10:49

Miles' Mental Health Deterioration and the Search for Help

Ton Hall details Miles' mental health deterioration, including his belief that he was Jesus. She describes her efforts to get him help, navigating the limitations of the mental health system and the lack of resources for individuals who don't meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the challenges Ton Hall faced in trying to get her son, Miles, help for his mental health issues?

  Ton Hall faced numerous challenges, including the limitations of the mental health system, which required Miles to be a danger to himself or others to qualify for involuntary hospitalization. She also encountered resistance from Miles himself, who didn't believe he was sick.

• How did Miles' mental health challenges lead to his criminalization?

  Miles was charged with resisting arrest and assault with a deadly weapon, even though the knife was used as a tool to get him help. This highlights the systemic issue of criminalizing individuals with mental health challenges, even when they are not posing a real threat.

• What is the Miles Hall Foundation and what are its goals?

  The Miles Hall Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing police violence against people with mental illness. Its goals include advocating for a 24/7 non-police response to mental health crises and promoting systemic change in the way mental health emergencies are handled.

• How has Ton Hall's life been impacted by Miles' death?

  Ton Hall has experienced immense grief and trauma, including PTSD. She has become distrustful of people and institutions, and her life work is now dedicated to honoring Miles' memory and fighting for justice.

• What are some of the systemic issues that contribute to police violence against people with mental illness?

  Systemic issues include a lack of adequate mental health training for police officers, the over-reliance on law enforcement to respond to mental health crises, and the criminalization of individuals with mental illness.

• What are some of the steps that can be taken to prevent future tragedies like Miles' death?

  Steps include investing in community-based mental health services, providing comprehensive mental health training for police officers, and creating a 24/7 non-police response system for mental health emergencies.

Show Notes