Jordan Neely's death in a subway car following a struggle with other passengers highlights the importance of mental health care and social services. Neely had untreated serious mental illness and a long involvement with the criminal-justice system. Despite past arrests, his interactions with homeless outreach teams, social workers, safe-haven shelters, and outpatient clinics remain unclear. Policymakers need to determine what kind of interventions have worked, and whether enough effort is made to re-engage "service-resistant" seriously mentally ill people who spurn initial offers of treatment. The debate over crisis response continues to concern how to best handle situations like this one. While some military or law enforcement personnel may be disposed to intervene quickly, containment can be the sounder approach in dealing with the mentally ill. Rushing in may not be appropriate or effective in all situations. As we await additional facts, Neely's story serves as a reminder of the importance of effective mental health care, outreach, and crisis management systems in society.