Late August Reflections and Happenings

August 28, 2022 (Sascha Altman DuBrul from Underground Transmissions)

Hey friends and allies – welcome to my Underground Transmissions Substack. I hope it reaches your eyes through the ever shifting email filters. All things considered we’ve had a sweet Summer here in Oakland with a garden full of cucumbers and tomatoes and beans and beets (and little baby papayas!) Our twins, Lilah and Silas, just turned one year old and Alice has been working for Morning Edition at NPR as an editor. My therapy practice has been experiencing a Summer Slump because I’m still learning how to run a private practice, so I’m working on doing more outreach to find new clients and I’ll be teaching workshops in the Fall. This newsletter is part of that, please share it with your people!

In this newsletter you will find:

Underground Transmissions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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• A link to an exciting new documentary I’m featured in with Gabor Mate, Drunk on Too Much Life
• An announcement for a September Transformative Mental Health Practices (T-MAPs) online workshop which I’d love for you to join!
• A window into IDHA’s Crisis as Catalyst online training series

(Continue Reading)

August 22, 2022 (Submitted by Howard Diamond)

My name is Howard Diamond, I have lived on Long Island for many years and since November, 2017, I have been a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). In addition, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Communications. Over the years, while working in the Mental Health Field, I have taken a number of on-line courses and written articles on changing ideas and philosophies of peer support. Also, through my perspectives, I hope to get more respect and gratitude for Peer Specialists plus trying to make it a viable choice as a major in colleges and universities and leading to a justifiable career.   

Due partly as a conclusion of prejudicial and a worldwide opinion, many Peer Specialists around the globe are treated as second hand traditional counselors. In addition, a high percentage are relegated to positions of lower status and lower salaries; even though, we are performing many of the same kind of responsibilities, duties or tasks. We are called Peer Specialists, but is that what we do?

Traditional counseling service agencies seem to have taken over the term, “counselor”. Also, it is frowned upon by others who want to also use this word. Are therapists trying to protect what is believed to be for all
therapists alone? Do counselors think this because of wage or job security? Think about this. Hmm, is this remotely possible?   

As a Peer Specialist, I am concerned about our ever changing name. Some days, we are Peer Specialists, then it is called Peer Supporters. For other instances we use a combination named, Peer Support Specialists. A few years ago, we were identified as Peer Counselors. This discussion sounds
childish and often is petty plus borders on being silly. How can we hope to be unified when we can not pick out our name? We are people first, we will get through this.

Are the populous scared of treating Peer Specialists like professionals? Our sense of reality is that a good percentage of us have several years of actual first-hand experience with mental health concerns. In addition, we have extensive training in peer support methods. Many Peer Specialists are highly educated with undergraduate diplomas from college and universities plus Master Degrees, too. Oh yes, there are Doctors that are peers.  

Since my friend has a background in counseling and therapy, I figured I can pick his brain. He noticed that Peer Specialists use methods that are similar to mental health counselors. Also, he stated that a couple of these are, Client-Centered Therapy and technique of Motivational Interviewing. These approaches are used by many peer supporters who borrow plenty of components and forms of therapy or counseling. So maybe we need to call, Peer Specialists, perhaps Peer Counselors.  A popular baseball expression,
“Call them as we see them”?, reflects some people’s opinion on identifying Peer Specialists.

Client-Centered Therapy or Person-Centered Therapy was developed in the 1940’s by Psychologist and author, Carl Rogers. It is a form of talk therapy. In this approach, we act as an equal partner in the therapy process, while our therapist frequently remains non-directive. These therapists don’t pass many judgements on our feelings plus tend not to offer suggestions or solutions. Rogers also believed that people are the best expert on our lives and experiences. His form of therapy was to allow his clients to fulfill potential by relying on our strength to change. 

Motivational Interviewing is a counseling method developed by two Psychologists, William R Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the 1980’s into the 1990’s. It involves enhancing a person’s motivation to change by
means of four guiding principles. These are expressed by the acronym RULE:                                 

• Resist the Righting Reflex
•  Understanding the Person’s Own Motivations
•  Listen with Compassion
•  Empower the Person.         

Both therapists and Peer Specialists use these techniques to assist the people they work with. Maybe, this is the push to call Peer Specialists, back to an initial name, Peer Counselors. However, each come from
different frames of reference. While the therapist uses techniques that have worked for people, Peer Specialists use methods that we might have been employed, this way it is first hand knowledge. Also,
Peer Specialists don’t really counsel others, we give others options that have assisted the peer itself.   

Thankfully some professionals are using the preferred terminology, as Peer Specialists. However, I have seen “peer counseling” used in psychiatric rehabilitation textbooks. In fact,  Mary Ellen Copeland, author of “Wellness Recovery Action Plan” continues to use the term,  “peer counseling” in her well known WRAP and her other manuals. Heck, even camp counselors use this term.  Lawyers, too! And many, many others! Then why do Peer Specialists need to do the same? 

As for me, I have very high expectations for the longevity in the profession of Peer Specialist. Since I am a Certified Peer Specialist, my hope is not only this occupation continues to grow, but my wish is that it gets fully recognized by leaders of the Department of Labor and the president. But this all begins with using one unified name, Peer Specialist. Dreaming perhaps, one day we will see a degree in Peer Specialists being learned and taught in colleges and universities by Peer Specialists and that it becomes a viable career path.  

For over twenty-five years, I have worked in the Mental Health Field. All of the names have changed several times and for the forcibly future, I see this happening more. It’s not the title that matters most to me, it is (was) the work that is actually accomplished means more. Unfortunately, due to my nerve damage that has limited me and hard to go to work, I still believe that a Peer is still valuable to the world. Whatever the name used.

See you in the NewsBlogs and Newsletters.

Howard Diamond is a Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island.

August 21, 2021 (Reposted from OMH Diversity and Inclusion Listserv)

NYS Office of Mental Health Launches Partnership to Help Black New Yorkers Heal from Buffalo Tragedy and Increased Rates of Trauma

August 19, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health is partnering with the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), Inc. to provide specialized “healing circle” support groups for individuals and families traumatized by the racially-motivated mass shooting in Buffalo earlier this year and increased incidents of hate crimes in general.  The virtual support groups, known as “Sawubona” provide assistance and support to individuals and families dealing with elevated levels of grief, anxiety and trauma. 

OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Sawubona healing circle support groups will be a vital resource to help heal the communities that have been devastated by racial violence. Many families in Buffalo are still understandably anxious, angry and emotionally distraught. OMH has been responding to this trauma with extensive public outreach and coordination of care resources. We are grateful to the Association of Black Psychologists and their help in implementing this innovative, culturally-grounded program to support the needs of people of color across the state.”

Donell L. Barnett, PhD, President of the Association of Black Psychologists, said, “We are excited about this opportunity to partner with OMH to provide needed services and support for Black communities in New York. This is uniquely important given the racial trauma and other challenges the country has taken notice of recently and historically. At a time of increased demand for services and a shortage of mental health providers, having culturally appropriate and culturally accountable services as a part of the array of mental health and wellness services is critically important. The Association of Black Psychologists is glad to partner with New York State in leading the way towards a national model.”

Sawubona Healing Circles is a national program of the Association of Black Psychologists. Sawubona is a Zulu word that means “I see you.” Sawubona Healing Circles are a culturally grounded rapid response intervention model designed to provide coping and wellness strategies in an affirming space for Black people experiencing race-related stress and trauma.

The Black-led healing circles, which are non-clinical, provide culturally relevant ways for people to express thoughts, feelings, and stories in a healing way. Culturally grounded in African-centered practices, the model helps address racial and other forms of trauma in communities of color. If you want to attend a “Sawubona” healing circle, please sign up here https://abpsi.site-ym.com/general/?type=BSHCA.

To grow this effort, OMH is looking for New York State residents interested in becoming trained Sawubona Healing Circle facilitators. This is a perfect opportunity for volunteers, retirees, students, advocates, and mental health service providers interested in supporting resilience in the Black community.

If you are interested in this free training opportunity, go to this link and apply https://abpsi.site-ym.com/general/?type=bshcf.

Matthew Canuteson

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

New York State Office of Mental Health

44 Holland Ave 2nd Floor

Albany, NY 12229

518-473-4548

matthew.canuteson@omh.ny.gov

www.omh.ny.gov
Feeling stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Call the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline 7 days a week, 8am-10pm at 1-844-863-9314 or visit https://nyprojecthope.org

August 20, 2022

(To start the story from the beginning, click here)

A NEW YEAR DAWNING     

Holly Stephens, a Peer Specialist from Hunter Mental Health Center (HMHC) and her supervisor, Taylor Thompson are determined to help Officer Alex Grey in finding out who raped a young mother and her baby. Unfortunately, this rape happened to one of Holly’s previous consumers, Ruth Haines and her less than twelve-month year young child, Gabriel.

As the year began, Holly had returned from spending time with her parents somewhere in the South. In addition, she was surprised by her brother, Andrew who said he would be around for their parents. On the flight back to Lake Town, Andrew decided to accompany Holly for two weeks to check out her town. Since Andrew had never been to her part of the world, he thought this would be an opportune time. Of course, Holly jubilantly agreed. After the two weeks, he would hang out with their folks and get settled with his new job.

Those two weeks were great. Most days it was in the 30s and 40s during daylight plus low 30s and 20s at night. When Holly was not working, they went skating in the park, saw a couple of movies, ate a couple of expensive meals and most importantly enjoyed each other’s company. Is this a new dawning in their familiar relationship? Hey, anything is possible, maybe even probable.

BACK TO WORK, BACK TO PAPERWORK, BACK TO MEETINGS

Vacation time is over and it is time to get back to work. Mondays after time away are  extremely difficult. Mounds of paper skew the desk, plethora of phone calls, texts and emails to respond. What is Holly going to do? First, breathing properly would be prudent. Breathe in, hold for five seconds, and slowly breathe out. Before Holly attempted this again, Secretary Steve Washington and supervisor Taylor rang the intercom. Steve typed out the majority of her schedule for Monday and Tuesday.

MONDAY
11 AM           WITH TAYLOR
12:15 PM   LUNCH
1:30 PM     TEAM MEETING
3 PM            WITH RUTH

TUESDAY
9:15 AM      MEET AT OFFICE WITH TAYLOR
10  AM         AT POLICE STATION. 1 WITH MEDIA
11 AM         AT POLICE STATION.  2 WITH OFFICER GREY
?                   LUNCH WITH TAYLOR
2:15 PM    MEETING WITH RC
3:15 PM    AT 23 CHESTNUT ST MEETING WITH KB
4:15 PM    AT CL MOM PLACE 335 SQUIRE BLVD


Peer Specialists like Holly often have schedules looking like this, especially when being away for two weeks. Naturally, Holly has other consumers, but Taylor made Ruth as a number one priority. Why is this any different since Ruth’s rape? While Holly was on vacation, Steve Washington took over Ruth’s information and visits were done exclusively by Taylor.

Before meeting with Taylor, Holly caught up on reading notes and going through the paperwork from some of her other clients. Sitting at the next cubicle was Steve typing with extreme tension. Upon completion, he got up and walked over to a startled Holly. Mr. Washington almost six feet tall around 200 lbs., good build, a trimmed brown beard to match his long hair along with deep brown eyes. Steve is also a Peer Specialist, but he mostly is assigned to desk duty due to his issues walking. Also, he often uses braces on his left leg.

Since Holly was waiting for Taylor, with the assistance of Steve, they sifted through the papers that were piled on her desk. Before the meeting, Assistant Director Karen Greene walked into Taylor’s office. She wanted to listen to update on Ms. Haines, of course he agreed. Karen Greene was about 5 foot five 5 inches, 130 lbs., medium length strawberry blonde hair and piercing blue eyes behind wire framed eyeglasses.

Promptly at 11 Taylor called Holly into his office. Cases were updated for Holly and a series of messages were handed to her for response. Lastly, they discussed Ruth. Although she is  still in the hospital, she will soon be discharged back to Generations Lodge. Marty Sinclair said that there might be a bed available by the end of the month. Slowly Ruth memories are being restored and she still will be seeing Jane twice a week. Currently, she is Room 419, not 415. Taylor had a lunch meeting at noon and had to run. Ms. Greene attended the entire time; however, she did not utter a single word.


MEETING WITH RUTH AND JANE

On this cold, windy afternoon in Lake Town, Holly arrived at the hospital and took the glass elevator to the fourth floor. Before visiting Ruth, her therapist Jane wanted to discuss something with Holly. Jane found a vacant office and they met. First, Jane informed Holly that Ruth is about to have a major breakthrough about the night the two of you met. Also, Ruth describes a newborn with blonde hair and freckles, but she does not make the connection with her own infant son, Gabriel.

Jane and Holly proceeded down the hallway to Room 419. Upon arrival, Jane rapped on the door and told Ruth that she had a visitor. On the television was a soap opera, but Ruth turned it off when Jane entered her room. Becoming more anxious, Ruth wanted to know who the visitor was. Slowly Holly walked in the room. Then, Ruth excitedly stated that you are the Peer Specialist Holly and you are helping me find a new place to live. My therapist mentioned that you have good connections.

Jane excused herself because she had someone else to see. Explaining stuff with Holly, Ruth said that she might be leaving here soon and heading to a place called Generations Lodge. Last week, I was talking with a nice guy named Marty who looked familiar but could not figure out why. He asked me lots of questions and Jane was seated next to me for support. Both you and Jane are calm, quiet plus very helpful. When I leave here, will you come visit me, Holly? Not sure, Ruth, but I will think about it. At that point, Holly left Ruth.

While they were talking, Holly and Jane noticed there was a sort of twinkle in Ruth’s eyes. Neither of them were sure what this meant, or has any significance, but they will check again. Holly went to her next consumer and finished her first day at work of the new year. She was tired, but she got home safe and sound.

Arriving at home, Andrew greeted Holly with a big smile and a huge hug. The siblings exchanged pleasantries and talked about their respective days. While Andrew spent in the morning surfing the internet and in the afternoon in the local library, Holly had a particularly busy day at work. Tomorrow is scheduled to be even more challenging but due to certain confidentiality agreements, Holly could not be specific. Andrew said he understood.

Tonight, Andrew was going to cook Chicken Carbonara with heavy garlic, salad and fresh garlic knots. Dinner will be ready at 7, so Holly had an hour and fifteen to shower and change into some comfortable clothes. Like most evenings at home, Andrew wanted to know more about some of the people Holly works with. Being a Peer Specialist and State Regulations, she cannot discuss anyone. In a generalized fashion she talked about  experiences with Ruth. Over the next couple of hours, they talked about Andrew’s plans for going skating in the park. Around 9:30 pm, Holly vegged in her bedroom, put on some music and tried to relax.

MORNING WITH THE POLICE, AFTERNOON WITH OTHERS

Monday turned into Tuesday as Holly was awakened by alarms at 6am. Regularly, this hour is when Holly gets up. After her morning routine, she grabbed a Boston Creme Donut and left for work. It is around 8:30 at the office, but Taylor has not arrived yet. This gave Holly the opportunity to confirm her appointments for later in the day. Her 2:30 and 3:30 confirmed, but her 4:15 is probably traveling to his place of employment, so Holly left a message.

Shortly after, Steve walked into the office and began talking with Holly. Also, he gave her a few messages, which included one from her 4pm appointment. It stated that he would rather be visited at 4:30pm. Holly thanked Steve and put the papers in her bag to call later.

As usual at 9 Taylor arrived right on time at the office. Taylor was glad that Holly was there before him. Before leaving for the police station, he had to make some administrative phone calls. With traffic, it would take about twenty minutes to drive there, so he had some time. During one of the conversations, he found out that one of the Assistant Peer Supervisors is leaving around later in the year and they are starting a search for a replacement.

While Holly was in the bathroom, Taylor screamed that we are leaving in exactly two minutes. She got her tablet and her notepad and they proceeded to the police station to meet with Officer Grey. On route, Taylor reminded Holly that was an update of their investigation of the rape and murder of an infant. Also in attendance will be the mayor and other local officials plus newspaper reporters, TV and radio personalities, so the conference room will be packed.

Last minute, the venue was changed. Everyone now gathered in the larger auditorium looking room which still was crowded, which was equipped with closed circuit cameras and several microphones. There are aqua colored walls that match one of the colors of the police cars and uniforms. Officer Grey officially began the meeting at 10:15 am. This get-together is an update about the rape of Ruth Haines and the murder of her infant son Gabriel.

After introducing the local assembly member and senator, the mayor, and an assortment of other dignitaries, Office Grey started. To everyone present, the police department is doing what it can to bring justice to Ruth Haines and her infant son. Due to the broken glass all over the apartment, the unknown attacker probably has cuts and visible scars on various places throughout his body. She was confused by what was. From the corner of her eye, Holly noticed Marty, manager of Generations Lodge Respite. Marty told Holly that Ruth had been accepted back to the Generations Lodge Community Residence, which is a block from the Respite. In addition, Holly found out Marty is the House Manager of both the respite and the community residence. Ruth’s tentative date to start is next Tuesday, but she will not be informed until Monday. So, Holly questioned Marty why and he explained that Jane will tell Ruth in my presence and we want to see her reaction. Holly and Marty separated and Holly met with Officer Grey and Taylor.

Also in the crowd, there was a mysterious looking woman. She was wearing a long brown raincoat, with a matching hat, which covered part of her face. Beneath the hat, she had mid-level brown hair. In addition, she apparently had a worried look about her as she quickly paced back and forth. When she sat, her legs kept switching positions and her hands were trembling fiercely. Actually, it was Ruth. It was good that no one recognized her, as she blended in with the mob at the police audience. Ruth was confused and she will discuss this with Jane on Friday.

Officer Grey said the police are getting close to finding out the real suspect. It was my Captain’s opinion that the media not be informed. We hope to bring another suspect next week when we verify some address information. Also, a lineup was requested, but since Ruth does not have full memories, this will not be required, at least for the present time. There were no fingerprints on any blunt instrument, but one shows a small indentation that has not been identified. Everyone agreed to meet at 10am Friday at the Mental Health Clinic.

After it was time for lunch, but Taylor had to cancel because of a staff meeting amongst all the Assistant Supervisors and Supervisors of Peer Specialists. Holly got a sub from one of the chain shops and spent the afternoon with her scheduled consumers. It was a good day and her three pm clients are doing well. Her main concern is still Ruth and the police that are searching for Ruth’s rapist. At that moment, Holly recalled what her dad frequently said, “Patience is a Virtue”.

(To start the story from the beginning, click here)

Random Act By a Peer Specialist:Part V…will be around soon. Keep reading.

See you in the Newsletters and NewsBlogs.

Howard Diamond is a Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island

August 18, 2022 (Reposted from NYAPRS ENews)

The Mental Health Service Delivery and Advocacy Community mourns the loss of Joyce B. Wale, a  pioneer, champion and proponent of peer support and the inclusion of experiential perspectives in facilitating transformation of a treatment-as-usual service model to a recovery-oriented system of care.  Joyce was an active leader known to many of us, passed away suddenly last week after recently retiring from UnitedHealthcare. She also was an active leader and served on a variety of legislative and New York State Committees.

Under her leadership was the implementation of Behavioral Health Expansions, the development of numerous services across the city as well as establishing roles for Peer leadership and innovative programming to promote empowerment among individuals and families accessing services within NYC Health + Hospitals. Joyce was a Fellow with the New York Academy of Medicine and the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Behavioral Healthcare Improvement. 

Among Joyce’s immeasurable contributions was her stellar leadership over several decades of the Office of Behavioral Health, New York City Health + Hospitals, where in 1998 she ensured the hiring of NYC H+H’s first Consumer Affairs Coordinator, Elmer Vasquez. Joyce’s vision for ensuring visibility, a seat at the table, professional growth and development and evidence that recovery is real among people with lived experience was to embed this leadership role within OBH, resulting in Elmer’s three successors, Jonathan P. Edwards (2003-2009), Linda Richard (2010-2012), and currently Gita Enders, Director, Office of Behavioral Health, Consumer Affairs, who assumed the role in 2013.

The impetus for Joyce’s indomitable spirit and resolve to advocate for the rights, recovery capital, and parity for individuals who had previously been deemed “patients” by many practitioners steeped in the hierarchical medical model of care, was to promote the notion of empowerment and the belief that everyone has a voice in their own recovery. The most obvious manifestation of this agenda was H+H’s hiring and deployment of hundreds of Peer Counselors (H+H’s internal labor relations classification for the peer specialist title) and, as far back as 2004, the establishment of Level 1 (entry level), Level 2 (team leader), and Level 3 (Supervising Peer Counselor), introducing a sound mechanism for career ladder opportunities for peer support workers who wanted to advance within the Peer Counselor title.

Jonathan Edwards also offered some personal thoughts:

“Joyce was a staunch change agent whose engine had been fueled more than 25 years ago when she walked on to an inpatient psychiatric unit and overheard staff using disparaging terminology to characterize the personhood and experiences of individuals being “treated” on the unit. 

Some years later, I was fortunate to be in attendance when Joyce received the Mental Health News Education (MHNE) Corporate Leadership Award, NYU Kimmel Center, Rosenberg Pavilion in May 2019 and was privileged to serve the NYC Safety Net Hospital System as the Consumer Affairs lead and internal advocate for six years under Joyce’s leadership. I would be remiss not to pay tribute to Joyce, who hired me when I was returning to the workforce in 2002 after dealing with major depression. Joyce eventually became my biggest champion and cheered me even after I moved on from NYC H+H. We will always value Joyce for her unwavering vision. She was a trailblazer within our community” 

Condolences and sympathy cards can be sent to Family of Joyce Wale at 1110 Bush Circle, Rockaway, NJ 07866

Joyce’s wishes were for any donations to be made to NJ Mental Health Association

Visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org

July 29, 2022 (Provided by Peggy Swarbrick)

Monthly Celebrations for August

Happiness Happens Month: 

Established by the Society of Happy People, this month-long celebration is a time to feel good ! Plan to do activities that bring you joy and lift  your mood?

National Win With Civility Month: 

Dr. P. M. Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, specialized in civility suggests “the quality of our lives depends upon the quality of our relationships.” Remind yourself all month to follow his 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct.

Week 1: August 1-6

August 1-7 

National Bargain Hunting Week: Founded by Debbie Keri-Brown, whose father worked in the garment industry in NYC. She later wrote two books on bargain hunting in Ohio.

August 2 

National Coloring Book Day: Coloring can be a great stress reliever for emotional and intellectual wellness! This day was established by Dover Publications, which offers many options for coloring books!

Week 2: August 7-13

August 7 

Friendship Day: This day was first established by Hallmark Cards, as a special day to appreciate friends. A great idea!  Sending a card, calling, texting, or visiting a friend can strengthen your social wellness

August 8 

National Dollar Day: Spend or save a dollar but, either way, celebrate the day the US established its monetary system in 1786. Here’s a fun activity: Next time you have a one-dollar bill handy, check out Where’s George? You enter the serial number of the bill to see where it’s been and to follow where it goes next!

August 8 

National Zucchini Day: Have you ever grown zucchini? Or had a neighbor with a zucchini patch? If so, you know that they often produce a generous crop! Tom Roy, from Pennsylvania, started the idea for this special day, which he originally called “Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Night.” Zucchini bread is a delicious way to use up all those extra vegetables! Good for physical wellness!

August 9 

National Book Lovers Day: The origin of this day remains a mystery. Speaking of mysteries, you can probably find one at your local library, along with books on just about any subject. You can get free audiobooks, too. Many libraries can help you download to your smartphone. Strengthens your intellectual wellness!!

(Read More)

Submitted on July 28, 2022

My story here begins in 1983, about two years after my first diagnosis of many, I met someone involved in peer support, named DH.  During this time DH is a professor at a local university, plus his roles at a county multi-faceted Mental Health Agency. Although, he was not a Peer, DH was an advocate for the Peer Movement, so I took his card and thanked him for his encouragement and time.

From 1982 through the present year which included my working at the bank 1986 to 1990, my anxiety spiraled up and down, like a yo-yo. I am diagnosed with social and general anxiety, plus OCD. In addition, I had feelings of extreme hopelessness, helplessness, and a major degree of worthlessness. Most importantly, I never thought of suicide.

In 1986, I began working for a bank as a Loan Processor Trainee. Within a year or so, I was promoted and the “Trainee” was removed from my title. Early in 1987, I was introduced by my supervisor to JG, who had an important position with the bank. Privately, we talked about various mental issues and he said he knew a mental health agency that was in need of volunteers and part time employees. Over the next few years we saw each other periodically.

Later in 1987, JG told me about a friend of his that worked for the agency we discussed several months previously. In addition to his job at the bank, he informed me that he was a board member of that agency. Then, he gave me his friend’s phone number and recommended that I call him. So I called him and his secretary made an interview time that the two of us could meet.

Ironically, he was DH, the man I met back in 1983 and we had seen each other at a conference a year prior. A few weeks later, DH hired me to a volunteer position two nights a week in the agency’s mental health evening clubhouse program. Also, he informed me that there are groups that are being led by people who have “lived experience” with mental health issues, like myself.

(Read More)

See you in the NewsBlogs and Newsletters.

Howard Diamond is a Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island.

July 19, 2022 (Reposted from NYAPRS ENews)

New Facilities Provide Immediate Assistance to People in Crisis, Help Avoid Emergency Room Visits and Higher Levels of Care

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced funding awards of up to $75 million to create nine new Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers across the State that will assist any adult, child, or adolescent experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The centers will provide evaluation, care, and treatment in a safe and welcoming environment, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

“My administration is developing a robust and comprehensive crisis response system that will provide immediate assistance to people who need urgent care for a behavioral health crisis,” Governor Hochul said. “These Crisis Stabilization Centers will provide walk-in care all day every day, and enable people to deal with an emotional crisis in a safe and welcoming place.”

“More and more we are seeing growing numbers of behavioral issues among children and young adults that, when treated appropriately, can often become manageable for the person,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “The new intensive crisis stabilization centers will provide people experiencing behavioral health crises with an appropriate place to receive treatment rather than taking up much needed hospital beds.”

The Centers, which will be developed under the authority of the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports will help any individual experiencing an acute mental health or substance use crisis. Urgent and immediate treatment will help people deal with their crisis and divert them away from higher levels of care and unnecessary emergency room visits. The Centers will provide peer and recovery-oriented support services, in addition to referral and follow-up services to ensure people continue to receive the support they need.  

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Governor Hochul’s commitment to helping vulnerable New Yorkers has enabled OMH to strengthen New York’s mental health safety net. Her executive budget and the initiatives she has implemented will provide the resources needed to quickly and effectively treat individuals and families in crisis. The new Stabilization Centers, together with new mobile crisis teams, crisis residential programs, and other community services will support and enhance our ability to quickly respond to people experiencing a behavioral health crisis.”

(Read More)

July 17, 2022

(To start the story from the beginning, click here)

HOLLY’S FAMILY AND A NEW MYSTERY CASE

Everybody tends to follow the Holidays distinctly. Why is this any different for Holly? This day Holly Stephens, Peer Specialist is meandering through the aisles in the local department store and deciding what to buy for others. She has a short list of six, which does not include her mom and dad plus her older brother, Andrew. Her mom and dad live down south and her brother’s place of residency is unknown. In most years, her brother was probably galivanting somewhere in the European Countryside. Holiday time is separate for Holly and Andrew. Wherever he is, he will connect with his sister.

For Thanksgiving day and weekend, Holly spent time relaxing at home, listening to music, without her phone or watching TV. On Sunday night, she realized there was a message. It was her Director, Taylor Thompson who left a message to call him back even if it is Sunday night. Weekend was officially over. When she phoned him, she was informed that one of their client’s was raped and her young son was killed. No names were given yet. The police department have been investigating since around 6 pm. Taylor also said he would meet her at 9:30 AM at the Hunter Mental Health Center where they both work.

That night Holly tossed and turned trying to figure out who this was. HMHC has many clients that fit this, but without more information, she cannot come with an answer. Finally, she fell asleep after 3 am and woke up around 7 am to begin her new day. She showered to feel better for her day ahead. As scheduled she met with Taylor and they discussed what transpired last night. Taylor is 6 feet 4 inches, about 220 lbs., short wavy light brown hair with a few gray ones for good measure and often tanned but is naturally olive skinned and is out in the sun when he can.

Around 10 am, Taylor got buzzed by his secretary, Steve Washington, who is 6 foot 2 inches with matching dark brown hair and eyes and stated there was a call from the police. Senior Officer Alex Grey informed Taylor that the victim has two business cards from both Taylor and Holly. In addition, she has a concussion and barely remembers what happened or her name. Currently, she is sedated and is in Room 303 at the Lake Town Community Hospital. Holly phoned the hospital and found out that the visiting hours are from 10 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm. Chimes in the hallway signified it was 11:00 am and Taylor and Holly proceeded to the hospital.

(Continue Reading)

July 16, 2022 by Gaylord, Katerina (OMH), Assistant Director of Crisis Services

988 is live in NYS!

Many thanks to our partners, advocates, community members, and stakeholders for the ongoing support and commitment to the implementation of 988 in New York State!

¡988 está disponible en Nueva York!
¡Muchas gracias a nuestros socios, defensores, miembros de la comunidad, y partes interesadas por el apoyo continuo y la dedicación a la implementación de 988 en Nueva York!

Commissioner Sullivan Letter on 988

988 Jam

View the 988 JAM with Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, as she spoke as our featured presenter on the developments of 988 and the work ahead. 

(View Recording)

Katerina Gaylord, LMSW

Assistant Director of Crisis Services

Bureau of Crisis Services, Division of Adult Community Care

Office of Mental Health

44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12229

(518) 408-0336 | katerina.gaylord@omh.ny.gov

www.omh.ny.gov

Pronouns: she, her, hers