In a special report on the “CBS Evening News” tonight, Katie Couric — joined by CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook — explores the stigma, lack of insight, and denial associated with mental illness in response to Jared Loughner‘s alleged violent actions in Tucson, Ariz. this past weekend.
Couric tells TVNewser, “While we don’t know the full extent of his mental health history, or what motivated Jared Loughner to allegedly commit these crimes, this has put a spotlight once again on mental health issues in our country.” Couric says health care in this country is partly to blame. “The U.S. health system still fails to help at least half of people with serious mental illness. Ironically a system was in place in Arizona, but very few people were aware of it,” Couric tells us.
The report is part of Evening News’ ongoing “In Focus” series.