According to the NCJR Mental Illness in America's Prisons report, it was obvious during the early 1980's proper screening and handling by criminal justice agencies of offenders who were mentally ill or dually-diagnosed became a significant issue that had substantial public safety, health, economic, and moral implications. It was believed that problems related to offenders who were mentally ill or dually-diagnosed was a serious issue not only for criminal justice agencies but for a number of agencies at every level of government. As a result of this issue, Darney K. Rivers was one of the million people mishandled and misrepresented by the criminal justice system. Mr. Rivers reported over 70 arrest.

 

Mr. Rivers reported the benefits of music and how it assisted him with dealing with the various issues in his life as a result of mental health. As a musical lyricist, Darney Rivers creates music to promote peace, healing and messaging as ways to tackle violence and criminal justice issues impacting people with mental health issues and the larger community.

 

Today, Mr. Rivers is the Executive Director he is more knowledgeable of the impact and interventions and launched I AM MY COMMUNITY, Inc. I AM MY COMMUNITY (IAMC) mission is to raise awareness about mental health to the Bronx residence and decrease the number of people incarcerated with mental health issues.