Yes, I agree. I think this is a priority. When ignorance, understanding and knowledge prevail, difficult situations get worse. Unfortunately, people absorb society's values and prejudices unless they make a determined effort to understand and become enlightened and educated.

The focus on finances governing things like healthcare and housing is often very misplaced and results in harm to society. Here, healthcare is means tested. Luckily I've a medical card, but that is up for review every year and determined by money. There are forms etc, to complete. I haven't had to do that in a good while, but have a feeling I might have to this year when my medical card expires! It's so difficult dealing with bureaucracy about finances and having your health or other things affected by it. The threshold for medical cards here is low and hasn't changed in years, which leaves many unable to avail of it. Not having a MC means that if I was ever in hospital I would have to pay myself for the stay. I've read of how cancer patients were being hounded for debts for their health care, due to having no medical card and how some very elderly people suddenly had their medical card taken away. It's so inhumane.

Yes, many of those incarcerated could be in secure mental hospitals but there still would be problems when they get discharged back to the community if there is no accommodation for them, and no one to help them. Housing also is very dominated by money and is commodified. So many people lack a stable home and it's something I am grateful for, but even that's not easy sometimes.