Dr. E. Fuller Torrey and I wrote an opinion piece, printed in this paper nearly 20 years ago, lamenting the “purely ideological campaign based on the premise that the right to refuse treatment is paramount, regardless of its consequences.’’ Sadly, nothing has changed — that is, until now. The Globe Spotlight Team is raising public awareness of the tragic consequences of untreated mental illness.

Although Massachusetts is one of only four states that does not have court-ordered outpatient treatment, the Legislature voted to continue funding a pilot assisted outpatient treatment program, which has shown positive results.

Studies show that assisted outpatient treatment reduces the incidence of hospitalization, substance abuse, arrests, and violence. As this information reaches the people who are on the front lines in dealing with untreated mental illness, such as law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and families, support will grow to finally change the law in Massachusetts.

I am hopeful that this time it is not a question of whether it will happen, but how soon.

Mary T. Zdanowicz

Eastham

The writer is an attorney and is former executive director of the Treatment Advocacy Center.