Mental Illness as a Civil Rights Issue, Topic of Heroux Talk

State Rep. Paul Heroux, whose district includes most of Attleboro, will be in Framingham today to speak about mental illness. The host of the event is Advocates, a nonprofit offering services to the mentally ill.

The announcement for the event states:

Since the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012, mental illness has been front and center on the mind of anyone thinking about public safety in America. Representative Heroux raises important concerns about what this may mean for many people successfully living with mental illness. Too often there is stigma, unfair treatment and even civil rights violations around people with mental illness or mental health issues. Join us for this crucial conversation about civil rights.

The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Advocates' office, located at 1881 Worcester Road.

Also today, Stacey Monahan, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance's interim commissioner, will appear at the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton in Attleboro to lead residents in a discussion about transitional assistance programs. Monahan is coming to Attleboro at the invitation of Heroux. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Go here for more information.