SPRINGFIELD, Mass.WWLP) – Orlando Taylor’s family is on a mission to shine a light on the importance of mental health awareness. The family walked from the scene where Taylor was shot and killed by police in Springfield to the Behavioral Health Network headquarters on Liberty Street.
The march draws attention to what the family says was a failure on BHN’s part to help Taylor when he was struggling with his mental health days before his death. Orlando’s mother says she called 911 for assistance, but when Springfield police and BHN arrived at her mother’s home, they offered no service.
“That’s the travesty of everything they say is inconsequential, they say it’s justified, we say it wasn’t necessary and if you’re receiving mental health treatment then it wouldn’t be necessary,” said Minister Charles Stokes, a spokesman for the family. .
We contacted BHN for a response, but have not yet received a response.
