Closing The Border Is A Matter Of National Security Says Virginia Sollars, Author Of 'And Some Will Triumph'

Sollars' latest book, 'And Some Will Triumph', is a heartbreaking and riveting look into correctional mental health, from the perspective of a compassionate nurse, that holds exciting potential for increasing awareness through print and film media

Overcrowding in jails and prisons is a massive problem in the US. That problem is often made worse by illegal immigrants who are mentally ill and end up being placed in jails in the US. Virginia Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph' has experienced this problem personally. She recently posted a statement on her website about the importance of addressing this problem from an American perspective.

"Trump says that closing the border is a matter of national security and I agree," Sollars stated. "I worked in a jail setting for years. It was a revolving door of illegals who committed crimes, some due to mental illness.

"America is a wonderful country full of opportunities for many of us, but we cannot save the world, (though some on the left would have you think that it is America’s responsibility to do so).

"In my opinion, it is not. We should take care of our own first. What about the homeless, many who are mentally ill, who were born here? Or the veterans, many of them depressed due to not being able to find a job and perhaps have no place to live, people who have been on the front lines keeping our country safe? What about the children living in cars? What about our people?

"I know it seems sad, but we must use some common sense here. We are Americans and this is our country."

The full statement is available at Sollars' website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

Sollars' book, 'And Some Will Triumph', relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. "Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well. Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ”. . . a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Mentally Ill In Jails And Prisons Is A Problem That Can Be Solved Says Virginia Sollars, Author Of 'And Some Will Triumph'

Sollars' latest book, 'And Some Will Triumph', is a heartbreaking and riveting look into correctional mental health, from the perspective of a compassionate nurse, that holds exciting potential for increasing awareness through print and film media

Overcrowding in jails and prisons is a massive problem in the US. One major cause of this ongoing problem is that the system often places the mentally ill in jails, rather than placing them in mental health facilities.

In an article on Huffington Post entitled 'New Efforts Aim To Keep The Mentally Ill Out Of Jail', a 2009 study showed that "an estimated 2 million adults with serious mental illnesses are jailed in the course of a year. Studies, including one from the Urban Institute, say they tend to stay in jail longer than those without mental illnesses, return to jail more often and cost local jurisdictions more money while incarcerated. More frequently than not, they are jailed for minor offenses, such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace or illicit drug use."

That is the problem. But what is the solution?

Virginia Sollars believes the solution lies in making the public aware of the problem on a deeper level. As a psychiatric nurse working in the correctional system, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. Her book, 'And Some Will Triumph, is a dramatic retelling of the heartbreaking situations she encountered every day. It is Virginia's fervent hope that her book will be made into a movie or television series. If she can accomplish that, it would shine a bright light on the problem and would enlighten the public as to the mind-boggling problems law enforcement must deal with on a daily basis.

"You may think the jail is full of criminals, but what if I told you that’s not true?" asked Sollars. "What if circumstances beyond the person’s control brought them to this enclosure? As a Correctional Psychiatric Nurse, I worked the triage desk at a large jail system in California for over two decades and I have decided to tell some of their stories."

Sollars' book, 'And Some Will Triumph', relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. "Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well.  Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ”. . . a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Virginia Sollars, Author Of 'And Some Will Triumph', Believes On-Line Dating Sites Are Often Used By Sociopaths, Scammers And Anti-Social Predators

Sollars' latest book, 'And Some Will Triumph', is a heartbreaking and riveting look into correctional mental health, from the perspective of a compassionate nurse, that holds exciting potential for increasing awareness through print and film media

The headlines are filled with stories about the use of social media by predators and stalkers. These stories show us how predators use social media to groom their victims before striking. Virginia Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph' recently issued a statement that offers some stern warnings and some insightful, real world advice, based on her own experiences.

"I recently joined two on-line dating services and was pleased to see so many men who were interested in meeting me, Sollars stated. "Though the site did warn not to give out my telephone number, I found it annoying going to the site each time someone contacted me, so instead used texting."

"The first person I decided I wished to meet told me he was an engineer; good I thought, educated. We set up a meet, but he did not come telling me that he had to leave for South Africa right away for a contract he was awarded and would I mind keeping in touch with him. I said that was fine."

"A few days later I received a text letting me know that he had arrived safely but that his luggage did not. He was upset because he did not have his laptop with him and needed me to run out and buy one, he specified one that was quite expensive. I suggested he ask a friend or a family member to help him out as I had not yet met him. He told me he had no friends or family and I was the only one he could ask. I told him I was uncomfortable with his request. He begged me for days until I told him that I would block him. He then requested that I continue texting him even if I could not send the laptop. I did so and was surprised when he next asked for money, saying that his credit card was not working and that he could not access his banking account."

"Over the months I have met many of these scammers. It always seems to be the same story. They are either widowed or they divorced their wives due to the wife cheating on them. Some have small children and all of them are good looking - the hook. They are alone in the world, no family or friends, setting up their victims, (you), as the only one who can help. A lot of them are overseas, many of them engineers or in the service. I have found that many ask for iTunes as this can be easily converted into money using a phone. I actually had one scammer come clean after texting with him for months. He admitted he was a 23-year-old Nigerian male who trolled on-line dating services looking for lonely woman he could ask for money. Previously he had used Facebook but was finding the on-line dating service a better venue."

"These men and woman are very good at what they do, they are imminently convincing. However here are some rules I found work. If you decide to talk with them off site, download hangouts. This is a great place as no matter where they are, everything is free and it allows you to use video. This is important as all the scammers I have met all had problems with their phone, the first clue that they are not real. They cannot do a video call because, of course, it is not the same person portrayed in the picture. If they have no family or friends stay away, as most people have someone. Never send money - it doesn’t matter if they have a child that is dying because in almost all circumstances it is a lie. Besides any hospital will take in a dying child. Don’t be fooled."

"And of course, they are charming, and they fall in love right away with you. If a man tells you he loves you just by texting, well come on, you have to know that’s not true. It is not amazing and a dream come true but instead the beginning of a nightmare that could cost you your savings."

The full statement is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

virginia sollars coverSollars' book, 'And Some Will Triumph', relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well.  Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Author Virginia Sollars Believes The Need For Kindness Extends Beyond The Holiday Season

Sollars' latest book, 'And Some Will Triumph', is a heartbreaking and riveting look into correctional mental health, from the perspective of a compassionate nurse, that holds exciting potential for increasing awareness through print and film media

The Holidays are the time of year when we collectively attempt to be a bit more forgiving and little less judgmental perhaps. However the Holiday season is not the only time of year for kind words and good deeds. Judging from the headlines we see day after day, it might be important for all of us to stop and reflect on the importance of kindness, not only during the Holidays but all year long. While some might believe kindness is a weakness, it is instead a sign of real courage, demonstrating that we respect and honor each other, regardless of station in life or status. Virginia Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph', issued a statement that is both timeless in content and urgent in regards to its core message.

"A little bit of kindness goes a long way - it can make someone’s day," Sollars stated. "A smile, or a friendly hello might bring a smile to someone’s face and make them feel as if the world is not a lonely place. Helping an elder across the street, or complimenting them on how well they look might make their day. Remember, it may be difficult for them to do things we take for granted. Do you have a neighbor that can use a hand? It may just take fifteen minutes of your time to find out, and the feeling of helping someone can increase your own feelings of self worth. It can make you feel powerful. I always feel better when I’ve helped someone. It gets me out of my own head and problems for a while. I use to work with a friend who would take all her old blankets and search for the homeless. Imagine their surprise when she handed them something to keep them warm, how her kindness helped them."

The full statement is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

Sollars' book, 'And Some Will Triumph', relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well.  Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Child Predators Can Appear To Be Like Everyone Else Says Virginia Sollars, Author Of New Book About Correctional Mental Health, 'And Some Will Triumph'

'And Some Will Triumph' is a heartbreaking and riveting look into correctional  mental health that holds exciting potential for increasing awareness through print and film media

It goes without saying that parents today face monumental challenges. One of the most terrifying dangers is child predators. While this type of criminal has always been lurking on the fringes of society, the age of social media and internet connectivity makes protecting children extremely difficult. Our kids are addicted to technology, and their use of this technology can open doors to a type of threat we've not seen before. Simultaneously, the predator's methods have become far more sophisticated with the ability to easily create a non-threatening persona, both in person and on social media. Like predators in the animal kingdom, camouflage and deception are the mechanisms whereby the child predator creates an opportunity to strike.

Virginia Sollars, author of a new book about correctional mental health, 'And Some Will Triumph', worked in the criminal justice system for many years. She recently issued a statement that compares these types of criminal to the predators we find in nature. It is a sobering call to action for parents.

"Many four legged creatures are predators," Sollars stated.  "However, the two legged ones are out there also, waiting to destroy your life, and are as real as the animals in the jungles. They watch, they stalk, and they strike."

"When I worked in the jail and these criminals were arrested, I was so sure there would be something about them that would make them stand out, letting me know their true nature. Unfortunately, it was not the case. They looked like us, normal people able to look you in the eye and smile pleasantly. There was nothing to tell me that they were different - that they were monsters."

"I remember my friend telling me of an experience she had. She was walking with her young daughter in an outside market. She was shoved into a cart, by a running boy, and when she again had her footing, she saw her daughter being led by a man to a waiting car. Luckily her screams caught the attention of someone, who immediately understood the situation and was able to grab her daughter before she was taken. Was the boy who knocked her into the cart involved? We have speculated on this for years. My gut feeling says yes."

"They will use any ruse, trying to catch you off guard, no matter how vigilant you believe yourself to be. It only takes a few seconds of you letting go of your child’s hand at an amusement center, or your eyes drifting away at a park. They will distract you and will use anything at their disposal to obtain their prey."

Virginia Sollars believes there is a real opportunity for print and film media to help create awareness of such issues in the mind of the public. As a psychiatric nurse working in the correctional system, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. Her book, 'And Some Will Triumph, is a dramatic retelling of the heartbreaking situations she encountered every day. It is Virginia's fervent hope that her book will be made into a movie or television series. If she can accomplish that, the result could be record shattering. It would shine a bright light on the problem and would enlighten the public as to the mind-boggling problems law enforcement must deal with on a daily basis.

virginia sollars cover'And Some Will Triumph' relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well.  Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill. 

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Mentally Ill In Jails And Prisons - Awareness Of Correctional Mental Health Tragedy Brought To Light In Virginia Sollars New Novel, 'And Some Will Triumph'

'And Some Will Triumph' is a heartbreaking and riveting look into correctional  mental health that holds exciting potential for increasing awareness through print and film media

Many people are aware of the fact that the mental health crisis, one in which the mentally ill end up incarcerated as criminals, has reached epic proportions. On the other hand, many people are not. Before real solutions can be developed, awareness of the problem must increase.

The jail and prison systems are filled with mentally ill individuals who end up incarcerated, rather than being placed in mental health facilities where they belong. These types of cases have dramatically overloaded the system and have caused law enforcement to take drastic measures to overcome what can only be called a dismal failure of the current systems.

News organizations, radio, television and newspapers nationwide have been running feature stories on a regular basis. Many states are introducing legislative changes that attempt to address the problem. But it's not enough.

Virginia Sollars believes there is a real opportunity for print and film media to help create awareness in the mind of the public. As a psychiatric nurse working in the correctional system, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. Her book, 'And Some Will Triumph, is a dramatic retelling of the heartbreaking situations she encountered every day. It is Virginia's fervent hope that her book will be made into a movie or television series. If she can accomplish that, the result could be record shattering. It would shine a bright light on the problem and would enlighten the public as to the mind-boggling problems law enforcement must deal with on a daily basis.

virginia sollars cover'And Some Will Triumph' relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well.  Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series or a movie," Sollars said, "My book is very informative, it is written in such a way that everyone will finally understand what is means to be burdened with a psychiatric disorder, how the thought process is so different from ours and how it sometimes leads to involvement with law enforcement. My book is so different from any undertaking that has been taken before, its potential is great and I think that people will be amazed at what I have to say. I just need the right people to believe in me to get the word out. I know my book can make a difference. "

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill. 

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Mentally Ill In Jails And Prisons - Book About Correctional Mental Health, 'And Some Will Triumph', Provides Heartbreaking Tales Of Real Life Situations

'And Some Will Triumph' is a riveting look into correction mental health that holds exciting potential for adaptation for television series or movie

The mental health crisis in America has reached epic proportions. One grim aspect of the problem is the sheer number of mentally ill individuals who end up incarcerated in jails and prisons. These types of cases have overloaded the system and have caused law enforcement to take drastic measures to overcome what can only be called a dismal failure of the system.

As a psychiatric nurse working in the correctional system, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. Her book, 'And Some Will Triumph, is a dramatic retelling of the heartbreaking situations she encountered every day. It is Virginia's fervent hope that her book will be made into a movie or television series. If she can accomplish that, the result could be record shattering. It would shine a bright light on the problem and would enlighten the public as to the mind-boggling problems law enforcement must deal with on a daily basis.

"You may think the jail is full of criminals, but what if I told you that’s not true," stated Sollars. "What if circumstances beyond the person’s control brought them to this enclosure? As a Correctional Psychiatric Nurse, I worked the triage desk at a large jail system in California for over two decades and I have decided to tell some of their stories."

"Chris is a schizophrenic. He wears a paper hat that protects him from the aliens whom he believes can read his thoughts. What happened to his brother many years ago when Chris was seeing and hearing things that weren’t real? And who is under his closet floorboard?"

"April sits in her cell quietly, staring at the wall. She is in a mental health bed on suicide watch, she is not allowed with others. She is deeply depressed. Why did she kill her children, why does she say she was trying to protect them?"

"Zfua, from Africa, is in for murdering her husband, chopping him up, and leaving pieces of him with her neighbors. She seems so pleasant, so normal, why would she do something like that? What were the circumstances in her life that lead her to that moment?"

"And Joy, young, sad, Joy. Her parents left her in the care of her older brother. She is in for drugs that her brother started her on as a child. Since the age of ten, he pimped her out to his friends. Did she have a life, did she have a chance?"

"Lilly frightens even the deputies at times. Her voice and face seems to change along with her personality? Who is she really and who killed her child?"

"Annette suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder and continuously states the numbers 629. We come to understand the meaning of this when she reveals her past."

"Jamie is developmentally disabled. She attacked and hurt a homeless man. She always has a difficult time with other inmates taking advantage of her sexually and otherwise."

"'And Some Will Triumph' is character based and there are many more characters than these few. The stories within are all true, I only changed the names and their appearances."

"Why do people murder, drink and drive, cut on themselves, stalk others, become so depressed that they become psychotic? What happens to people who hear voices?

'And Some Will Triumph' relates the journey of Elizabeth, a compassionate nurse who comes to California from New York with her teenage daughter to work at the fictional Raine Correctional Facility. Elizabeth finds herself interacting with some of society’s most troubled and challenging inmates and shows how she must at times fight the system to give the best care to her patients. Elizabeth tells the stories of both the psychiatric inmates as well as the nurses who have problems in their lives as well.  Since the book is based on my professional experience, it is an insider’s look into the minds of psychiatric inmates revealing their secrets, regrets, frustrations and hopes and how they cope with their life in jail. But my book is more than just the story. It explains the many mental health disorders in such a way that people without a medical background can understand, points out the broken mental health system and describes the reasons why the mentally ill are incarcerated."

"I believe my book has great potential for a television series. Each character can be separated, their lives in the jail a separate story in the series. I hope that a series becomes a reality so that not only can people be entertained, but gain knowledge into what really goes on in a jail system for the mentally ill."

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.”

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill. 

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

The Mentally Ill Should Not Be Stuck In Jails and Prisons - Much More Can Be Done Says Virginia Sollars, Author Of 'And Some Will Triumph'

'And Some Will Triumph' is a riveting look into correction mental health and is ultimately a story of regret, hope, tragedy and redemption

All over the country mentally ill people are being incarcerated in jails and prisons for minor crimes. Mentally ill people should not be incarcerated, and jails and prisons are generally not capable of providing what these people really need. A recent article on V-news.com presented an in-depth, fact-filled overview of what is being done to keep the mentally ill out of jails and prisons. Some of the efforts presented in the article include:

Mental health crisis intervention teams are being created to help evaluate offenders before they are jailed.

Florida passed a new law that will direct the mentally ill to treatment programs, rather than jail. Cindy Schwartz, director of jail diversion for the 11th Judicial District’s Criminal Mental Health Project was quoted as saying "It’s all about creating a plan that enables them to exist in the community without being a threat to public safety, to
others and themselves.”

John Snook, TAC's Executive Director believes the problem exists because there are not enough beds for the mentally ill.

The University of Memphis says that crisis intervention teams now exist in 2,632 jurisdictions. Over 9000 officers have received CIT training in Ohio.

Texas funds 30 stand-alone mental health clinics.

Larry Fitch, law professor at UM who has advised the American Bar Association and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors on issues of criminal justice and mental illness believes the solution is a well-resource mental health system.

Virginia Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph' spent decades working as a Psychiatric RN in the correctional mental health system. She believes much more can and should be done.

"Crises Intervention Training (CIT) for police officers and deputies is great and sorely needed as most get a few hours of training during orientation and learn in the field," Sollars stated. "Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES Units) are also a wonderful idea. According to claims by the Alameda Model in Ca. this has enabled 75% of psychiatric individuals to achieve enough stability to enable them to either go home or to a community based program within twenty-four hours. However, I have no statistics telling me how long they remain home, in these units, or out of jail. These programs lull us into believing that all will be well with the mental health crises that is gripping our country and filling our emergency rooms."

"Though police officers with their new training may be better equipped at deescalating a crises situation with a mentally ill person, still, the fact remains that most of the mentally ill will end up in the jail system. There they will await state competency evaluation, if not incarcerated for a minor crime. Since the state is usually out of beds, they end up staying in jail for a long time. And let’s face it, forty hours of training is a drop in an ocean in dealing with the mentally ill. I have been a psychiatric nurse for over 36 years, 26 In corrections and at times it took all my years of training to make a situation safe. I believe it is a good start, but that’s it. I think officers should be more knowledgeable, therefore I believe college courses are in order. They should have a basis of what psychiatry and the many mental disorders are about. You cannot deescalate a paranoid schizophrenic who is hearing voices, sometimes telling him/her commands to hurt others or himself the same way you would a person suffering from a manic episode from bi-polar disorder. No two situations are ever alike, nor should be treated as such."

"As to the PES units, again all well and good. But where are these community based programs and what do they offer and to how many? Are you going to tell me that a floridly psychotic person is going to be okay in them? I still believe that what is really needed is state run psychiatric hospitals, like we had in the past, with lock down units."

"Crises Intervention Teams also assist police officers, but unfortunately most work banker’s hours and many are social workers who are not equipped to handle a crises situation, it is not within their realm of training. Even with psychiatric nurses available, sometimes it just takes too long to get there to diffuse an ongoing situation."

"Also, the mentally ill have rights. I understand that in some states their charges will be dropped if they follow a program, and even if they do for a while, I can assure you most will drop out, especially if drugs are involved. I have worked psychiatric emergency units, I even worked a mobile unit where we went into condemned buildings hoping to keep the mentally ill out of the hospitals and I know many of them, if not most, do not want to take medication. "

"I don’t want to downplay what is being done, thank God something is, but again I do not want people believing that these are all the answers."

Sollars uses her captivating and sometimes shocking stories of fact-based fiction to reveal the stark truths that lie behind the curtain of today’s current issues- the fundamental facts often obscured by our headline culture. Her gift for raw storytelling takes readers backstage, where they will experience, in vivid 3-D the challenges her semi-fictional characters must face. She brings the truth into the light, and lays bare the stunning reality behind these stories in ways that mere headlines could never achieve.

As a psychiatric nurse, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. She not only allows her readers to participate in the day to day struggles that ensue behind the heavy steel doors of the correctional facility, but takes her readers into the thoughts, fears and secrets of the psychiatric inmates. Virginia explains the reasons why the criminal justice system has become the dumping ground for the mentally ill and why there are so few beds available to them on the outside, a matter of great concern in the United States.

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill. 

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

The Mentally Ill Stuck In Jails and Prisons - Education Is Key To Solving The Problem Says Virginia Frusteri Sollars, Author Of 'And Some Will Triumph'

'And Some Will Triumph' is a riveting look into correction mental health and is ultimately a story of regret, hope, tragedy and redemption

It is a sad fact today that many mentally ill people in the U.S. often end up in jail or prison. This horrific situation is no small problem - it is a catastrophe. It is not one of those things that will go away if we just ignore it. This has instead become a national crisis. While there are no easy fixes, it is imperative that action be taken.

A story by Karen Libby on OzarksFirst.com provides information on how a new tax law signed by Governor Ava Hutchinson will establish a number of regional Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Centers, providing $5 million dollars slated to provide mental health evaluation and treatment. Money is important, but education is equally important if not more so, according to Virginia Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph'.

"We do not have the facilities or the funds to heal the mentally ill," Sollars stated, "though it seems as if due to news articles of recent deaths in prison and jails, people are becoming more aware of the issues that the mentally ill face. In the 1950’s Congress passed the National Mental Health Act and the Community Center Act. The later provided seed money to States to create community based facilities to replace state hospitals as the primary care center. However, what has happened due to many circumstances such as the economy and lack of funding is that jails and prisons have become the new institutions for the mentally ill, many who are homeless. Mentally ill repeat offenders have as high as a 90% recidivism rate and commit crimes that have been categorized by one study as crimes of survival. They are incarcerated for shoplifting, loitering, trespassing, public intoxication and disturbing the peace."

"I know many people might ask why they are not maintained on medication. Again, the facilities are not set up for the many that are in need. Even those who have families that care for them stop taking their medications for a variety of reasons. Think about this, your doctor tells you that you must take your antibiotic for at least ten days. By day four you are feeling better and stop. A few days later the symptoms are back again and now it is worse.  It is the same way for the mentally ill. They stop hearing voices, or the depression is better, or for people with bipolar disorder they may be missing the highs, so they stop their meds and end up getting into trouble. Suicide by cop is a familiar scenario, putting both the officers and the mentally ill in jeopardy."

"In Orange County, which has a population of over 3 million, we have 10 beds for acute psychiatric patients with no insurance and that facility does not take medically ill people or the elderly. Though there are hospitals that take them on an emergency basis, it is to the detriment of other people who are ill and in need of assistance. Also, an officer has to accompany them, taking that officer off the street where he or she is needed."

"Here is a case scenario:  A police officer is called to a scene where there is a mentally ill person. If that officer has been on the street for years, then hopefully he has learned enough about the mentally ill to deal with the person correctly. Sometimes it is just a matter of giving the mentally ill person enough space, not rushing in, not making a bad situation worse. Many officers only receive three to five hours of training when they are at the academy. Though now some have received CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) which could be as high as forty hours, as a psychiatric nurse of over 36 years and a correctional nurse for over 26, I know that it takes many years and many interactions to obtain the knowledge necessary so that no one gets hurt. There were times when I needed to call on all my years of experience to contain a situation."

"The mentally ill can be extremely volatile and can strike out due to paranoia or fear of authority. Many have come in contact with the law at one time or another and for most it has been a horrifying experience. The mentally ill person may be paranoid and feel the officer is going to hurt him, or having command hallucinations demanding that he attack, not understanding that this will lead to imprisonment and sometimes death. Even if that person is contained in a human manner, the officers usually need medical clearance to bring them to a mental health facility. This leads to the officer sitting for hours, maybe days at an emergency room for a mental health bed to become available, leaving him off the street where he is needed. What usually happens is that they bring the mentally ill to jail. If it is a minor charge, that person may be on the street within twenty-four hours, given a time and date to appear at court. As many mentally ill have no idea what day, month, or year it is, they don’t show up and it becomes a warrant. So, the next time they come in contact with law enforcement, then end up staying. Unfortunately, the jail is not the place for the mentally ill. There are few beds for them and personnel is overwhelmed. They get lost in the system and sometimes mental health is not advised of their incarceration until they have hurt themselves or someone else. The problem is nationwide."

"I think that all law enforcement should be better versed on mental illness. They should be giving courses that are mandatory and not learn how to deal with them on the job. There are psychiatric teams that do come out to assist, but some work banker’s hours and others just take too long to get there."

"We need to educate people and it should start in the classrooms and at home."

Sollars uses her captivating and sometimes shocking stories of fact-based fiction to reveal the stark truths that lie behind the curtain of today’s current issues- the fundamental facts often obscured by our headline culture. Her gift for raw storytelling takes readers backstage, where they will experience, in vivid 3-D the challenges her semi-fictional characters must face. She brings the truth into the light, and lays bare the stunning reality behind these stories in ways that mere headlines could never achieve.

As a psychiatric nurse, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. She not only allows her readers to participate in the day to day struggles that ensue behind the heavy steel doors of the correctional facility, but takes her readers into the thoughts, fears and secrets of the psychiatric inmates. Virginia explains the reasons why the criminal justice system has become the dumping ground for the mentally ill and why there are so few beds available to them on the outside, a matter of great concern in the United States.

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….” a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

The Plight Of The Mentally Ill Who End Up In Jails and Prisons - Correctional Mental Health Is The Focus of Virginia Frusteri Sollars' 'And Some Will Triumph'

'And Some Will Triumph' is a riveting look into correction mental health and is ultimately a story of regret, hope, tragedy and redemption

The mentally ill do not belong in jails. That is simple common sense. Nevertheless, many do end up there. That is a problem. It is a problem with very few solutions. This problem is not a new problem - it has instead become a national crisis. News stories - from all over the country and beyond - hit the media outlets every day.

A story by Michael Martz in the Richmond Times-Dispatch described how Virginia legislators are struggling with finding a solution. Another on the KEPR-TV website (Washington) by Elise Haas stated that the Benton County Jail has "over 500 inmates and it is estimated that 55% of them suffer from mental illness . . ." These are not isolated stories or events. The stories are found everywhere. The Ottawa Citizen. Rapid City Journal. The Bellingham Herald. Cal Coast News. There are hundreds more.

Virginia Frusteri Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph' spent decades working in correctional mental health. She offers an enlightening perspective on the subject coupled with some common-sense recommendations.

"You were scared, when the police arrived, the voices were telling you that they were going to kill you. You thought you had to run or die. So, you ran and they came after you, the men with the uniforms.  When they tried to handcuff you, you did the only thing you could, you tried to prevent it. You didn’t mean to hurt the officer, you were only trying to protect yourself.

"For the mentally ill, this is a common occurrence and they end up in jail alone and afraid, not understanding what they’ve done wrong. And for them, the jail is a nightmare. There are so many rules they can’t follow and they get in trouble with deputies, guards and other cellmates. Some refuse medication, due to being paranoid or because of the side effects, and mental health staff is overwhelmed by the many in the system. As there few cells for the mentally ill, they find themselves housed with criminals who take advantage of them, stealing their food and whatever belongings they might have. If they are suicidal, homicidal, or gravely disabled they may be separated, however, many end up sitting in cells that are filthy, smeared with their own feces."

"The guards and deputies do not have the proper training to deal with them, as most police departments only get a three to six-hour course during their basic training and in most of the  institutions, more is not required.  Funds should be appropriated so that all members of law enforcement get (CIT) Crises Intervention Training, which is a forty-hour course. Even this is not enough, but at least it is a start. And though many states have adopted Laura’s Law, due to the restrictions, many of the mentally ill will fall through the cracks."

"We do not have the facilities to house or heal mentally ill people. We need to educate the people who have the means to make changes.  As I have mentioned before in the many presentations and interviews I have done, we need long term institutions for the mentally ill, many who are homeless. Per the National Alliance of Mental Illness, two million jail bookings per year can be attributed to the mentally ill, though from my personal experience, I believe the stats to be much higher and one out of every four people killed in either shootings, or beatings involve the mentally ill."

"It is sad that with all the funds being appropriated by the government, the mentally ill always seem to come last."

Sollars uses her captivating and sometimes shocking stories of fact-based fiction to reveal the stark truths that lie behind the curtain of today’s current issues- the fundamental facts often obscured by our headline culture. Her gift for raw storytelling takes readers backstage, where they will experience, in vivid 3-D the challenges her semi-fictional characters must face. She brings the truth into the light, and lays bare the stunning reality behind these stories in ways that mere headlines could never achieve.

As a psychiatric nurse, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. She not only allows her readers to participate in the day to day struggles that ensue behind the heavy steel doors of the correctional facility, but takes her readers into the thoughts, fears and secrets of the psychiatric inmates. Virginia explains the reasons why the criminal justice system has become the dumping ground for the mentally ill and why there are so few beds available to them on the outside, a matter of great concern in the United States.

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is ….”a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill. 

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Correctional Mental Health And Jail Suicides - Virginia Frusteri Sollars, Author of 'And Some Will Triumph'. Believes Much More Must Be Done

'And Some Will Triumph' is a riveting look into correction mental health and is ultimately a story of regret, hope, tragedy and redemption

A group of articles on the Al.com by Amy Yurkanin discuss a number of mental health issues in the Alabama Prison system, the most urgent of which is suicide. Suicide in jail is not unique to Alabama  certainly - it is a high priority concern that impacts prison systems and jails nationwide. Virginia Frusteri Sollars, author of 'And Some Will Triumph: Stories of the Mentally Ill in a Correctional Setting and the Nurses Who Care for Them', understands intimately the challenges we face in regards to correctional mental health.

"Whenever people are incarcerated, suicide becomes an issue," Sollars stated. "For a while, the jail I worked in had the lowest suicide rate in the county and I feel this was due to the psychiatric nurses who worked there.  One of the things we did was give a briefing every three months or so, giving the deputies pertinent information on how to gauge if a person was suicidal. Was the inmate isolating themselves, not eating or talking with others, did that person have a history of mental illness and has he or she stop taking their medication? Was the inmate giving his belongings away, has his or her mood changed dramatically? Though we were very busy, it worked. Our mental health department followed up on all the deputies’ referrals. Sometimes it was nothing, but most times we found depressed people who were helped by our follow-up system, or by antidepressants before their depression changed into suicidal thoughts or a plan for suicide."

"I agree with Amy Yurkanin’s article of Jan. 31, 2017 regarding mental health in the Alabama Prisons. You must have staff, both deputies and nurses alike who are well versed in psychiatric disorders. We actually worked with a very small mental health staff, but due to the eyes of the deputies, we were not alone. Correctional Officers should be educated. They should know what to look for and advise the proper people when they see a potential problem. I am sorry to say that in Orange County, Ca. out of the 664 hours of basic training the deputies receive, there is maybe three hours devoted to dealing with the mentally ill. This is not enough. Crises Intervention Training should be mandatory as the jails and prisons have become the new dumping grounds for the mentally ill."

"As medical insurance prices climb, I am afraid that we will be seeing even more of the mentally ill within corrections. There are no longer institutions for long term care and as soon as a mentally ill person is stabilized, they are back home or on the streets again, not taking the medications they need and getting into trouble with law enforcement.  Some can’t afford their medication and many outpatient clinics cannot take care of the many in need."

"Though we did our best, many of the mentally ill incarcerated in the jail were sometimes locked down all day for weeks at a time. We could not force medication unless they became a danger to themselves or others. There were times the cells were filthy, as due to staffing, we did not have the personnel to take dangerous inmates out and clean them or the cells. Even if the nurses were available, everything had to be coordinated with the Correctional Department."

"I understand that Laura’s and Kendra’s Law has helped, but there are stringent conditions to qualify for the court mandated program and I feel that many will fall through the cracks. The mentally ill are here to stay and we need to find the money to help them."

Sollars uses her captivating and sometimes shocking stories of fact-based fiction to reveal the stark truths that lie behind the curtain of today’s current issues- the fundamental facts often obscured by our headline culture. Her gift for raw storytelling takes readers backstage, where they will experience, in vivid 3-D the challenges her semi-fictional characters must face. She brings the truth into the light, and lays bare the stunning reality behind these stories in ways that mere headlines could never achieve.

As a psychiatric nurse, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. She not only allows her readers to participate in the day to day struggles that ensue behind the heavy steel doors of the correctional facility, but takes her readers into the thoughts, fears and secrets of the psychiatric inmates. Virginia explains the reasons why the criminal justice system has become the dumping ground for the mentally ill and why there are so few beds available to them on the outside, a matter of great concern in the United States.

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is  " . . .a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the page to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill. She continues to advocate for the mentally ill though her presentations and radio shows advising people of the plight of the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…

Author Virginia Frusteri Sollars Announces New Release, 'And Some Will Triumph', An Uncensored Look Into Correctional Mental Health

'And Some Will Triumph' is a riveting look into correction mental health and is ultimately a story of regret, hope, tragedy and redemption

Author Virginia Frusteri Sollars has announced the release of 'And Some Will Triumph: Stories of the Mentally Ill in a Correctional Setting and the Nurses Who Care for Them'. 'And Some Will Triumph' relates the story of Elizabeth, a psychiatric nurse, who comes to California, with her teenage daughter, to work at the Raine Correctional Facility.

Sollars uses her captivating and sometimes shocking stories of fact-based fiction to reveal the stark truths that lie behind the curtain of today’s current issues- the fundamental facts often obscured by our headline culture. Her gift for raw storytelling takes readers backstage, where they will experience, in vivid 3-D the challenges her semi-fictional characters must face. She brings the truth into the light, and lays bare the stunning reality behind these stories in ways that mere headlines could never achieve.

As a psychiatric nurse, Virginia journeyed inside the minds of the mentally ill. She not only allows her readers to participate in the day to day struggles that ensue behind the heavy steel doors of the correctional facility, but takes her readers into the thoughts, fears and secrets of the psychiatric inmates. Virginia explains the reasons why the criminal justice system has become the dumping ground for the mentally ill and why there are so few beds available to them on the outside, a matter of great concern in the United States.

"Most books about crimes, inmates and or prisoners write about one event and the whole book centers around that." Sollars stated. "I wanted to give my readers a broader spectrum. I wanted to make them aware of just how many mental health disorders there are, in a manner that could be easily understood, how devastating it can be for people dealing with severe depression, mania, psychosis and many of the other disorders I bring to light. How having a mental disorder can lead people to commit terrible crimes.  I bring my readers into a correctional facility, so they can walk the halls I walked, and get a real feel of how psychiatric nurses deal with these inmates as well as how the inmates cope.  I wanted to educate people of the challenges both the nurses and the inmates face."

Sollars' book has received rave reviews from readers. Kirkus Reviews said the book is  " . . .a remarkable timeline of the treatment of mental illness in the past 40 years, and it’s a triumphant account of her boldness as a mother, nurse, and woman. At a time when mental health is in the forefront of conversations about our health care system, her story is one of hope."

One reader stated, "Absolutely the best book I’ve read in years, uncensored look into correctional mental health, patients, inmates and the professionals who deal with some of society’s most troubled criminals, their day to day struggles all interwoven within a gripping story of murder and suspense. A must read!" Another said, "Awesome story! While the story keeps you turning the page to see what happens next, the real plight of the mental health patients in a correctional setting is heartbreaking.

Virginia Sollars is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at virginiasollars@yahoo.com. 'And Some Will Triumph' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.virginiasollars.net.

About Virginia Frusteri Sollars:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and became a registered nurse in 1980, working as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career. She worked in the jail system for twenty-six years, caring for and treating the mentally ill.

Contact:

Virginia Frusteri Sollars
virginiasollars@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiasollars.net

Leia Mais…