Distress Signs Were Ignored

Last week, Granville lost a fellow citizen, Herbert Bisson, to a tragic head-on auto accident.

Herbert suffered and struggled with mental health issues. Family, friends, neighbors, merchants knew of his challenge and easily recognized his signs of distress. Historically they would reach out for assistance from officials.

In the past a simple phone call would answer their pleas. He would then receive the assistance he needed and would proceed with life in his regular way.

Those of you that did not have the gift of knowing Herbert might ask at this point: "What was his regular way?" Here are just a few recollections of Herb that might help you to know:

"Herb would give you his last dollar if he thought you needed it."

"He had the most endearing smile."

"Herb was the most giving human being I’ve ever met."

"When Herb had sunshine and was taking his meds, he was the nicest guy you could ask to know."

"It didn’t matter how busy he was, he would take time to stop and help you should he see that you needed a hand."

"He was so overwhelmed with thankfulness at the slightest act of kindness."

"He shared his dream with me once. He wanted to establish a non-profit organization that would ensure the unemployed a job."

Obviously Herbert was a loving, sensitive, thankful, giving, human being. He wanted to be accepted and thought well of. He was an asset to the community. Those who loved and appreciated him are left with confusion and anger as to why there was no assistance when he needed it. Several calls were made requesting help for him. Officials were alerted that his abilities to drive or to function coherently were not up to par. Those calls received insufficient repsonse.

Was his death due to neglect? Was he an inconvenience more easily ignored than dealt with? Do laws need to be changed enabling officials to intervene more easily?

In honor of Herbert we, as a society, need to ask where improvements can be made within our system. The people that miss and loved Herbert need answers. Answers to help heal the pain of losing Herbert. Answers that may help improve the system for others. Such intervention may protect them from harming themselves or fellow citizens.

I believe this letter sufficiently reflects the feelings of the majority of our community. I thank those that have given me the thoughts to compile it.

Nancy Tate-Maston

Granville

_____________