Indiana is being sued over allegations it's letting people who need mental health treatment sit in jail rather than get court-ordered services.

Whitfield’s death in police custody was especially painful for those whose loved ones have a mental illness. During the vigil, attendees were invited to write the names of friends or family they were thinking of on a sticky note and place it on signs that held messages such as “SEND HELP NOT HANDCUFFS.”

The Ross Center is now open at 42nd Street and Post Road. The intersection is in the heart of an Indianapolis neighborhood that lacks resources and investment.

People who have threatened to harm themselves can be placed on whats known as suicide watch, where they're constantly monitored by a mental health professional. But in some prisons, suicide watch works differently.

National studies show mental health challenges have increased because of the coronavirus pandemic -- and more so in college-age people. But, college counseling centers saw a decline in those seeking services at the same time.

The Assessment and Intervention Center, part of Marion County's new Community Justice Campus, opened one year ago. The AIC is a clinic for people with mental health or substance abuse problems, including those who may have encountered law enforcement. It was created to divert more people with those health problems away from the criminal justice system.

The Irsay family is donating $3 million to Indiana University for a new research institute on the Bloomington campus that will focus on addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

More psychologists and social workers in schools. Early screening. Loan forgiveness for child psychiatrists serving rural areas. Fixing a strained system will take time. But COVID stimulus funds can speed up efforts across the Midwest.

Months long waitlists, out-of-pocket costs and a burgeoning mental health crisis is pushing care out of reach for some families.

Hospital ERs are being upended by a surge of children and adolescents in mental distress during COVID. Staff bring in snacks or queue up Netflix to keep them occupied as they seek beds in psychiatric centers. Private insurance can make the task harder.