The New York State Office of Mental Health is excited to share yet another educational resource available about 988 in New York.
The 988 Brochure contains basic information about 988 including reasons individuals may contact 988, what happens when someone calls, texts, or chats 988, frequently asked questions, and much more! It’s an excellent resource for sharing the basics of 988.
The 988 Brochure has been created with three different cover photos. It can be viewed, downloaded, and printed by visiting the OMH 988 Webpage.
A PDF version of each brochure is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Korean, Bengali, and Russian on the OMH 988 webpage as well. This resource, and other resources available on the webpage, can be requested in any language that is not already available on New York’s 988 webpage by filling out the 988 Resource Translation Request Form.
Thank you for your continued support of 988 in New York State!
It is February 8 and a few updates have occurred since last written and documented by Jane Frederick, therapist for Ruth Haines. Ruth and Jane have been working together for almost a year due to Ruth being raped and her infant son Gabriel was beaten to death. However, Ruth does not remember much from that time period.
Also, Holly Stephens, Peer Specialist and her supervisor, Taylor Thompson are working with Police Officer Alex Grey to discuss ideas to find Ruth’s attacker. Always vigilant, Holly while assisting others, her main focus was Ruth. Over the past year, Holly has visited Ruth in various locations, including the hospital plus Generations Lodge Respite and Generations Community Residence where Ruth resides presently.
Today Holly scheduled a mental health day because she is emotionally drained from all that has transpired for this year. Although, she had taken four weeks in last year, this was the first day this year. She is very aware what tomorrow is, February 9, the night she met Ruth. During the day, Holly did fun things. During the afternoon, she went ice skating in the park, indulged with some ice cream, went to see a comedy movie and brought pizza home for dinner. For Ruth it was a day like most days. In the morning, she watched old TV game shows, did a group exercise with members of her community residence. After lunch she decided to take a walk to relax some and put on her headphones and listen to music till dinner. Unfortunately, Ruth does have many recollections of what happened a year ago. Tomorrow she has an appointment with Jane and a separate visit with Holly.
February 9, One Year Later
As usual Holly was out of bed by 6:30 am. She took a hot shower because a long, draining day was ahead for her. By 9:00, Holly met two of clients and respective lawyers at the Lake Town County Court Building. One person was accused of throwing a rock through a sporting goods store window and taking money from the cash register. He is claiming innocent and knows who actually committed the crime. His case is scheduled for 9:30. The second case refers to a woman fighting back against her rapist and stabbing him. Time for her preliminary hearing is 11:30. Ironically the two have the same case manager who is on vacation; therefore, Holly was selected.
In the afternoon, Holly had two house visits at 200 and 330. At 5pm, she has a meeting with Ruth. After minor snow event of about an inch or two over this morning, it has turned cold and windy. Holly was taking Ruth to an appointment with a lawyer in the building where Holly used to work. When Ruth went to the fourth floor, Holly decided to go to the second floor and surprise her former supervisor, Steffie Green. Since the end of October, Steffie has been a Supervisor for Broadview Health Services. The two talked for a few minutes and arranged a lunch meeting for the 17th.
Things changed drastically when Holly walked down the corridor. At the door was shaking Ruth. Holly got a couple of chairs and Ruth began to spout out what occurred a year ago. All her memories of that day were beginning to crystallize. Furthermore, Ruth stated that was Holly who made calls so I could get into Generations Lodge the first time. Yes, Ruth I was there to assist. Also, you spoke with the clinic to get me an intake for the following morning. Ten minutes later, Ruth said she was exhausted and wanted to go back to her place. On route, Holly suggested she bring these thoughts to Jane in therapy. Ruth said she will.
More Memories For One, More Information For The Other
A few weeks later, Holly continues to work hard with a very busy work schedule assisting individuals on the road to recovery. According to her supervisor Taylor, she has a male friend that occasionally comes in the office to take her home. To this point, the two men have not met.
Ruth is still seeing Jane for therapy to put her life back together. There has been some additional memories, but none of Gabriel or the night she was attacked. February has turned into March and today on the 20th, spring begins. Doing part of her daily routine, Ruth takes a walk from her community residence into the village. Some of the store windows are reflecting the change in season. One place is scraping off the paint from the glass of snow scenes and the holidays of winter plus the manager stated there will be new paintings that will adorn them by April 1st.
In the corner of Ruth’s eyes she saw a suspicious man lurking across the street. She dipped into the diner to avoid him. It did not appear that he saw her. Tomorrow, Ruth goes to a mental health program and she will talk about this. Also, Marty house manager of Generations Lodge is scheduled and she will tell him. Although Ruth was scared inside, she was able to make it back home.
About an hour later, Marty arrived at Generations and Ruth talked about the incident. She stated that he appeared to be short or tall, very heavy with darkish hair. At every corner he stopped, held on the edge of the store, squatted slightly and looked around up, down several times as if he were expecting something to fall from the sky. When Ruth was finished, Marty asked if he could phone Officer Alex Grey or Jane, or Holly, but Ruth declined. She agreed that they be informed, but I am too tired tonight to see any of them.
Dinner tonight is at six and Ruth is scheduled to set the table for seven residents and three staff. Although, it is only little past four, she set the table anyway. She did not want to talk about earlier and was glad that there will be people around. When Ruth finished, she retired to her bedroom and rested till dinner.
Two days later, Ruth went into the village and ordered an extra cheese and mushroom slice at the pizza place. She faced toward the window and gazed outside. As she was finishing, she saw that man again, this time he was on the same side of the street coming toward the pizza restaurant, but at least three blocks back. Ruth slowly left the restaurant and headed toward home.
That man is still beyond Ruth and basically do the same movements as the other day. Fortunately, she bumped into off-duty Officer Grey who took down her information and accompanied her a few blocks. No longer did she the man following her, so she was able to return to Generations safely. She thanked Officer Grey and smiled at him intensely.
New Memories and a New Breakthrough
On the following day, Ruth spoke to both Jane and Holly. A meeting was set amongst the three for 2pm, Monday. During the session Jane tried to get Ruth to think about who she saw. Her eyes were closed so Jane had Ruth dig deep in her mind. It did not help much, at least for this time. When her experience was over, Ruth said she would do this again.
Then, Jane brought Holly in the room and discussed (of course generally) how Ruth is progressing in therapy. Ruth said that Jane is still assisting with a variety of techniques to help me remember more and more. Added by Jane that Ruth has continued to make it easier for me. She is open to suggestions and ideas to help her. Holly was satisfied and left to see other consumers. Jane called for an insurance paid taxi to take Ruth home.
While Holly was Ruth, Taylor and Assistant Director, Karen Collins met the first candidate for the open Supervisor position. Her name was Anna Mancini, around 5 feet tall, high heels and quite heavy. She had olive complexion with dark brown eyes and grayish dark wavy hair. Anna had ten years’ experience in the field, three of which Supervisor for a children’s program in a neighboring town. Although Anna had not worked with Peers before, she talked a good game and was informed that there will be a second, if not a third interview.
A few days later, Officer Grey phoned Taylor wanting to talk with him. So, Taylor walked over to his secretary, Steve Washington to clear the rest of his schedule. Also, please try to get in touch with Holly and have her meet me at the Police station in an hour. Let me know what she said. Steve finished the letter he was working on, and then phoned Holly. She picked up and informed Steve that she will do her best. To complete everything, Steve phoned Taylor and informed him about Holly.
Waiting for Taylor to arrive, Officer Grey made room in his office. Fifteen minutes later Taylor was at the police station, and they began to talk not knowing if Holly was coming. Yesterday, a new witness named Bill Reynolds was interviewed and thinks he saw what transpired that night.
Minutes later Holly came into the office. Officer Grey continued. When Bill was asked why he did not come forward in almost a year. The witness claimed he was out the country and did not know that there was a rape and a murder. Last week, Bill returned to Lake Town and saw the notice in the newspaper and the local blog.
With that information, Office Grey and staff checked out some of what Bill said. So far, what he stated were accurate and that he was indeed out of the country for the entire year. As far as what Ruth has been telling me; however, we are still checking it out. ALSO, we have talked to some of the shop employees and many have collaborated. No one had gotten a good look or spoken with the mystery man. Let the memory live again.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION FOR CAPITAL REGION SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM
Capital Connect Aims to Increase Access to Suicide Interventions in Historically Underserved Communities
Office of Mental Health, Department of Labor and Department of Health Collaborate to Reduce Suicides Among Capital Region’s At-Risk Populations
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $5 million multi-agency pilot program aimed at reducing suicide among vulnerable groups in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. Funded through a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered by the state Office of Mental Health, Capital Connect will utilize data from state agencies and local partners to identify at-risk groups for focused prevention efforts in specific areas and industries in the four-county region. New York is one of only six states to receive the grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“While our state’s mental health resources are among the best in the nation, we still lose far too many New Yorkers to suicide each year,” Governor Hochul said. “With a focused approach to prevention, we can better identify groups and industries most at risk and ensure they have access to resources, and this $5 million grant announced today will help us provide critical support and foster connections among vulnerable individuals throughout the Capital Region.”
With the five-year grant, the Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center of New York has partnered with the state Department of Health and state Department of Labor to identify groups and industries most at-risk for suicide. In addition, the agencies will work with schools, county mental health, juvenile justice, local hospital emergency departments and the area’s construction industry to help focus efforts in the four-county area, where suicide attempts and death rates exceed the state average.
The primary goal of Capital Connect is a 10 percent reduction in suicide attempts and deaths among vulnerable groups who have been shown to have disproportionately high rates of suicide attempts. The initiative is part of the Office of Mental Health’s larger goal of reducing mental health disparities in historically underserved communities, including communities of color.
Grant-funded activities in Albany, Troy and Schenectady will increase access to evidence-based suicide prevention programs in underserved communities. These activities will complement ongoing efforts initiated by the Office of Mental Health to reduce disparities, including a suicide prevention pilot program in three Black churches in Albany, Harlem and Rochester.
The success of that program helped secure $1.5 million in funding from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest source of private suicide prevention research in the nation, and allowed the program to expand to 12 additional Black churches. Also, earlier this year, the Office of Mental Health made $5 million available for suicide prevention programs for underserved populations, including Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian American, Native American and LGBTQI+ youth and young adults.
The Office of Mental Health utilized surveillance data from the Department of Health to identify two disproportionally affected populations. These groups include adolescents, who have been increasingly treated at emergency departments following suicide attempts, and working-aged men, whose suicide rate is triple that of the general population.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Research with diverse populations and age groups clearly shows that social connection matters when it comes to our mental well-being. And while there is no one solution to the complex problem of suicide, by working across sectors and using a number of proven strategies supporting healthy social connection, we can make a difference and save lives.”
To support adolescents, the Capital Connect program will partner with schools to provide a structured suicide prevention needs assessment, consultation, and a range of training options. The program will also support expanding and refining e-Connect, an innovative program that screens youth on probation and connects them to mental health care treatment and services.
Likewise, grant-funded activities in the cities of Albany, Troy and Schenectady will increase access to services in communities of color. The pilot program will also help test this model before potentially expanding the approach statewide.
The program will also provide training targeting the local construction industry and financially distressed and newly unemployed individuals, both of whom are known to be at elevated risk. Partnerships developed through the program will also help the Office of Mental Health advance its goal of reducing healthcare disparities in historically underserved communities.
RELATIONSHIP ABUSE and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE by Howard Diamond
marievog
Posted on October 3, 2022
stylized prohibiting sign in the form of a red stop signs on the background of the open palm
“Hey, over there, that man is pulling that lady by her hair across the avenue”.
“Watch out pastor, those mean guys by the broken window are beating up those women with glass and blood flying everywhere. Someone please call the police”.
Abuse like this need not be commonplace, but unfortunately in today’s society, it is becoming more and more a frequent occurrence. There is never, never an excuse for any of this. Anger, jealousy, alcohol and drugs are not acceptable. In most of these instances, one sad part is little or nothing is being done, which makes the problem escalated even more. Since 1987, October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations around this world-wide problem.
Relationship abuse like above occurs in a wide spectrum of individuals. Whether we are in heterosexual or same-gender relationships, or dating relationships or in a marriage, it makes no difference. Victims and abusers can be male or female or someone with gender identity, white or black or even yellow, be tall as seven feet or five feet or smaller, relationship harm occurs when someone uses these behaviors to actively control and manipulate another person. This type of torment does not only signify that an individual is being hit, punched, kicked or physically injured. A person can be harassed emotionally, which means that another is steering, dominating and exerting undue power over another individual. This may revolve around name-calling, humiliation and threats. People can also be abused sexually in relationships. A woman who is married and has consented to sex in the past can be sexually abused by her husband especially if she does not want to have sexual intercourse and he forces it upon her. Also, the reverse happens.
Some victims of an Abusive Relationship are physically mishandled. One way people excessively mistreat others is through exhibiting dominance, because they want to be the one in total charge of their relationship. They tend to humiliate their partners to reduce their self-worth and exert power. Another way they use their power is to isolate their victims from friends and family. Some people become more vulnerable if they don’t have any support systems around them. Also, abusers tend to scare their victims with threats and an array of intimidation tactics. When the wrongdoer puts the entire blame on the victims, the abused may be made to feel and believe that they are lower than low and are totally worthless.
Many of us wonder why victims of abuse don’t leave their current relationships. One plausible reasoning may be that the victim is in severe danger if they leave the relationship. An offender could seriously hurt the other or any family member, including their children. Another reason that victims stay in their horrible situation is due to some financial reasons. A sufferer may not be able to support themself and their children without money from the perpetrator. If you know someone in an abusive relationship, listen to their reasons for staying in their predicament. Understanding these rationalities can make one a better resource for this person.
Signs of an Abusive Relationship:
According to New Hope, Inc. located around the country, these are some of the warning signs of an Abusive Relationship. One can call New Hope at 800 323 HOPE between 9am and 4pm Monday thru Friday, or visit their website, for more information.
EXTREME JEALOUSY CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR QUICK INVOLVEMENT UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ISOLATION BLAMES OTHERS HYPERSENSITIVITY CRUELTY TO CHILDREN AND OR ANIMALS DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE PAST HISTORY OF BATTERY “PLAYFUL” USE OF FORCE OF SEX VERBAL ABUSE USE OF VIOLENCE OR THREAT OF VIOLENCE
WebMD stated that people that were targeted by these controllers and have any connections with them can have dire consequences. They often live with a number of residual problems that can last for years or the rest of their lives. As a result, they can develop some of the following:
Talk to friends and family members about the signs of abuse. Reach out to someone who we believe might be abused by his partner. Give assistance to domestic violence shelters or volunteer at a domestic violence shelter or hotline. If we’re being abused and or want to help others who are being abused, we have several options to think about. Also, if we know about someone in an abusive relationship or dealing with domestic violence or it is happening in our neighborhoods or anywhere else call the police or 911 or call National Domestic Violence at 800 799 SAFE (7233).
See you in the NewsBlogs and Newsletters
Howard Diamond is a Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island and is frequent writer for the Virtual Community
Both individuals and organizations benefit from health literacy, which is the ability to find, understand, evaluate, and use information related to making decisions and taking action to improve and maintain health and wellness. Lower health literacy is associated with worse health outcomes, partly due to medication errors, less preventative care, and delays in seeking care. The Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) cites a CDC report that “9 out of 10 adults struggle to understand and use health information when it is unfamiliar, complex, or jargon-filled.”
Visit the IHA website for suggestions of ways to learn about and to promote health literacy
National Reading Group Month Join a reading group (in person or virtual) or start one that fits your interests. Many people tell us that reading is an important contributor to intellectual wellness. Discussing what you read adds another dimension! Learn more from the founders of this special month, the Women’s National Book Association, and get book lists, too!
Rikers is NY’s Largest Psychiatric Services Provider
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Treatment not Jails Diversion Program is Essential!
September 30, 2022 (Reposted from NYAPRS ENews)
NYAPRS Note: The following underscores how critical jail diversion is for people with mental health challenges. NYAPRS is as strong supporter of ‘Treatment Not Jails’, a bill sponsored in the NYS Legislature by State Sen. Jessica Ramos and Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest would expand eligibility for mental health diversion programs in the justice system.
Mental Health Care On Rikers: New York’s Largest Psychiatric Provider
On an average day, almost 3,000 people with mental illnesses are detained there – and they need better care.
Editor’s note: This story discusses suicide, which some people may find disturbing. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Those in New York City with mental health struggles can contact NYC Well at 1-888-NYC-WELL.
Around this time last fall, a delegation of state and local lawmakers visited Rikers Island, New York City’s 400-acre jails complex in the East River. More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, amid a spike in violent incidents and chronic absenteeism among staff, elected officials had come to see for themselves what had been described as an unrelenting crisis.
Some of them ended up seeing something unimaginable: an attempted suicide. “I had never witnessed something like that before,” state Sen. Jessica Ramos told City & State recently. “It was truly disheartening to see someone feel so hopeless that they really only saw that as their way out.”
Just over a year later, with a new mayor and a new commissioner leading the Department of Correction, New York City is still dealing with this crisis. Sixteen people have died after being held in custody so far this year, and five of those deaths were suicides or suspected suicides. New York City isn’t alone here. Between 2000 and 2019, suicides were the leading cause of deaths in jails – facilities that hold individuals still awaiting their day in court, or some people serving short sentences.
But New York faces the challenge of stemming this crisis at a massive scale. Rikers Island is one of the largest psychiatric care providers in the country, and it is the largest psychiatric provider in New York City. Half of Rikers’ population in the previous fiscal year had a mental health diagnosis – about 2,780 people – and 16% had a serious mental health diagnosis. In the face of the immense responsibility of caring for those people in custody, some lawmakers and criminal justice advocates said the city was flat out failing. “New York City jails often lack adequate mental health services, which has contributed to unsafe conditions for detainees and staff working within the jail complex,” Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote in an April letter to Mayor Eric Adams.
The New York City Board of Correction has recommended policy and management changes to improve access to mental health care on Rikers, including having medical staff conducting more regular rounds of the intake areas and improving mental health treatment training for correction officers, while others have called for expanding the number of dedicated psychiatric units in the jails system.
But some advocates and progressive lawmakers argued that the best solution to these problems was a much bigger undertaking: diverting many more mentally ill people involved in the criminal justice system to treatment programs, rather than jailing them. “It’s important to recognize that lots of these folks shouldn’t be in jail,” New York City Council Member Tiffany Cabán said. “They should be in their communities receiving the kind of mental health care that they need and deserve.”
September 20, 2022 (Reposted from Harvey Rosenthal, NYAPRS ENews)
Thursday evening, Laura Van Tosh will be receiving both the Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and NYAPRS first ever Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award, a powerful indication of how important a leader and courageous and compassionate exemplar Laura has been for our movement over many decades. Here’s a powerful interview Laura gave to Mad in America’s Robert Whitaker earlier this year, with a closing sentence that says it all:
“My goal has always been about that, it has always been about freedom of people,not just free from the shackles, but actually freedom to create your own life.”
Language and power is more than words. Of course, many of us tend to convey ideas best through spoken language using words. There are a host of different ways to show we are using language and it power, including writing, or signing, but most communication comprises facial expressions along with gesturing and physical cues, like the popular saying, “Speakingwith oureyes“, a type of body language.
Some people with mental health issues tend to misinterpret what others are doing or saying. In these instances others might assist in clarification for folks. Essentially, language is definitely used to advance all ideas, due to this, it inherently has a power that consciously we are never physically aware of.
In addition, language also has power when it comes to mental health. Any sort of negative language and speaking can halt the progress for mental health wellbeing and conversely, positive language and speaking has the power to move it forward. In addition, language shapes how we see the world. Contrary to what many people had believed for many centuries, especially in the 15th Century, the world is still round. Also, Chicken Little, a fictional character in children’s books stated, “The sky is falling“. Wherever we are, please look upwards, and notice the sky is definitely not falling.
Here we will show how language has the power to positively and negatively affect people’s thinking and wellbeing. Any words we might choose and their respective meanings that are affixed to them can influence society, especially with folks with Mental Health Issues. Ultimately, individuals say the power of language takes a view that language has power of its own. This power allows language to retain its capacity behind it, to unite or divide a group of people or even an entire country.
In my way of thinking, there is no doubt that language has power and wields its mighty arms to everyone and everything everywhere. This is used for a communication device, not only for humans, but the vast array of members of the animal kingdom. Mere mortals like us, use language and its power to share our ideas, thoughts and feelings with others. “Feelings“, has been written and sung by many artists. In Nina Simone’s version she added, “Nomatter what words men say“, to express feelings of the heart. We often use language to understand someone else’s experiences and values, and when it comes to people dealing with mental health concerns, the language is valued, too.
Can anyone think of any words or stereotypical language that hurt or label individuals? Also, doesn’t that language used hinder people from achieving and then progressing? These words and language let these human beings to be heard, included and one day be cared for and supported. By using the correct language it reduces the power of others and communicates clearly, respectfully and with hope we all can and will be respected.
Popular song lyrics also show this. In a song from “Carousel” written by the amazing creative duo of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein almost echoes this by ending their song with, “…, Walk on, walk on, With hope in your heart, and you’ll never walk alone, you’ll never walk alone“. Since it was heard on Broadway, over 75 years ago, it has transformed to become an anthem that pulls in our consciousness during periods of strife. Mental Health Issues can be no different and we can champion the cause and move our agenda forward.
Really, all a song is, but a series of lyrics (words) set to music. By utilizing language and its inherent power to make us laugh, cry, and by using our emotions we get ahead. Think about this, language and power shaping individual and societal progress through strong song lyrics. Hurry everyone, get those boxes of tissues. With a special series of lyrics, we can, “MakeYour Own Kind of Music, Sing Your Own Special Song“, just like Mama Cass Elliot belted out in the 60s and 70s. That is why we might need those tissues, whether we are weeping or chuckling, both can often induce tears.
Recently there has been a shift in mental health language. A term people apply is “Lived experience”. All this means is that someone who has had similar situations in our daily life while relating this to a mental health condition. Fundamentally, the selection of words and language to describe an individual with any type of condition is up to them. Here again, language and its power is reduced. When engaging in a direct conversation with a person or many people we need to be identified by the language or title we feel and are most comfortable with. Significant here is not to use any words or phrases. Simply just ask how each other wants to be addressed.
Understanding language and its potential power is vital for communication in all cultures and includes their religions plus customs. People struggling with mental health issues are often lumped together incorrectly. Each affliction needs to be viewed separately; therefore, each will have their own specific type of language and can spread that power differently. Only put these unique conditions as one, when we are in the commonality of having mental health issues.
A message to my readers: Please use words and language for only good intentions and spread its power in a positive way to make our Planet Earth is an even better place to live for all, now and forever.
See everyone in the NewsBlogs.
Howard Diamond is a New York State Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island
September 1, 2022 (Submitted by Peggy Swarbrick and Pat Nemec – co-editors)
Classical Music Month Many classical pieces are familiar to us—whether from attending a performance or hearing it as the background in movies or cartoons. Take time this month to explore. Performing Arts Music offers a sample of three pieces and you can find many more on YouTube, Pandora, or even those extra channels that come with a cable TV subscription.
Self-Care Awareness Month Consider all the ways you care for yourself every day in all of the eight dimensions of wellness. Keep track of what you do every day and every week. Pay attention to how you feel when you challenge your mind, visit with friends, or spend time outdoors. Plan to do more of what relieves stress, provides meaning and purpose, and brings a sense of peace.
Whole Grains Month Adding whole grains to your regular diet has proven health benefits. Whole grains have all the original parts of the grain, whether that’s wheat, oats, corn, or one of the many other grains. Learn about how to tell if a product really is whole grain and how to cook with whole grains.
“Sally Zinman, pioneer, activist, writer, artist, leader, and friend of many in the consumer/survivor movement passed away on Thursday. Harvey Rosenthal shared in a post last week, “Given Sally’s steadily declining health, this has not come as a surprise but as a moment of both grief and loss and of gratitude and honoring the beautiful soul and tireless warrior she was for so many years.
“See the photo below of Sally in her prime (on the left) with her fellow pioneers and the ones below demonstrating the dignity and kindness she embodied throughout her life and struggle with cancer.
“Rest in peace and power Sally and know that your legacy of self-empowerment, community organizing and activism….and transformational change and courage, determination and love will go on forever (photos and tribute by Harvey Rosenthal, NYAPRS, August 26, 2022).”
Sally Zinman’s acceptance at the SAMHSA 2016 Voice Award
“We, all of us, have been soldiers in a march towards transformation, from a system based on chronicity to one of recovery.
From a system that decided everything about us without us, to one in which nothing is about us without us.
From a system that considered people with lived experience as not able to run their own lives, to one that values consumer-run programs and peer support.
From a system based on force to one based on choice and self-determination and freedom.
And, from a world that dehumanized and isolated people with lived experience to one that embraces us as neighbors, friends, family members, business colleagues, and every kind of professional.
I remember my feelings as I left my own incarceration almost 40 years ago, and I can remember them today as I am speaking. I wanted to do something about it, so that those who followed me would not experience the same inhumane treatment as I had. This award is for and because of all those who felt the same way, and did and are doing something about it.
I am truly not standing here alone. I am standing here with and because of them.”
Sally Zinman at the 2016 SAMHSA Choice Awards
Advocates Laud the Life and Legacy of Sally Zinman
NYAPRS Note: Several days ago, I asked people to send in their person thoughts and feelings on the passing of our dear pioneer and friend Sally Zinman. Thanks to all who shared so fully of themselves in the comments that follow.
Sally Zinman, one of the founders of the consumer/survivor movement, helped lead the transformation of mental health care system in the U.S. to focus on choice, self-determination, inclusion, recovery, and peer support. A recipient of many awards, including the SAMHSA lifetime achievement Voice Award and the MHA Clifford Beers award, Sally established one of the first ever peer run service programs, fought for state and National patients’ rights policy and legislation, led the creation of the first statewide peer organization, was a champion of ensuring the full participation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and much more. Sally was an inspiration and guiding light to so many in creating a just and healing world for people with lived mental health experiences.
Paolo del Vecchio
Sally was a best friend, devoted mother, advocate personified, believer in recovery for all people. I call up her in my mind. Her talking and sweet laughter. Thank you, Sally.
Gayle Bluebird
We’ve lost so many great leaders of our movement! That photo you shared with Jay Mahler, George Ebert, Judi Chamberlin, Ted Chabasinski, and Sally–Ted is the only one still with us. And, of course, we’ve lost many others too, not in the photo
Susan Rogers
When I finally had the chance to meet and connect with Sally Zinman I was grateful to experience her directness and candor. She supported and encouraged me to have a clear voice about our rights issues, especially when I felt hesitant to do so with people in power. She was a powerful example for me as someone who was always willing to do the often thankless, yet groundbreaking work involved in starting new organizations like the Mental Patient Rights Association and California Association of Mental Health Peer Support Organizations.
Chacku Mathai
This is sad news as Sally was a true champion of civil rights. She wisely to set up her predecessors including Andrea Wagner and Mary Hogden at CAMHPRO California Association of Mental Health Peer-Run Organizations to take the helm before she left and her legacy continues in good hands. For me personally with discussions with her, she exemplified what is it to be a woman, mother and leader in a movement where she held her own as she encountered resistance on the inside and outside of the group.
Here are some videos of Sally speaking for those who may not be so familiar with her and her work: some videos with Sally:
Sally was an early leader in the psychiatric survivor movement and inspired many of us along the way. Sally was on the board @ the Bazelon Center for years. She is one of our Lifetime Achievement awardees this year and we will figure out how to properly honor her at the Awards and beyond.
In January of this year, I visited Sally. I recalled that years ago when I was doing interviews to understand recovery, Sally said her recovery began when she decided she was not Sally Zinman. Her family decided that was a sign that she had a mental health condition and had her locked up. However, years later she could see this assertion that she was not Sally was the beginning of her self-determination and of her recovery of her life, a life that has helped so many find their authentic lives. Though she left this mortal plane 2 days ago, she left knowing who she really was and knowing she made a difference in many peoples’ lives.
Thank you, Sally, you changed my life. I will, like her, never stop fighting for the freedom and rights of people who think differently than the chronically normal. I’m very sad to hear of Sally leaving this reality, and we owe so much to her. Her energy, her clear values, her intelligence were an inspiration to our movement. We miss you and will always remember you and your determination 💕 Dan Fisher
She was an indefatigable leader whose vision and voice rang clear while building coalitions in California and nationwide. She could negotiate for people, using skills to overlook differences when dealing with allies as well as political foes, and could keep her priorities uppermost while promoting empowerment for recovery. Sally’s courage and passion, and the warmth of her humble strength helped inspire an entire movement.”
Phyllis Vine
I always admired Sally’s work and had the privilege to partner on a few things with her. She paved the way for many, including myself. Much love to Sally Zinman and family.
Oryx Cohen
I will miss Sally so. She was a pioneer in the fight for human rights for the millions of us with psychiatric labels.
Patrick Hendry
I’m saddened to hear of this tremendous loss and only hope that Sally’s courageous spirit lives on in all who knew her, loved her and worked alongside her for human rights!
Chrys Ballerano
Although I only was able to share a few minutes with her in my life, I was very privileged to have been part of her presentations and a workshop. She truly understood how to live our principles, and her example was a source of inspiration for me.
Jacek Jack Haciak
I am so grateful to have met her in this lifetime.
Latosha Taylor
Very sad to hear of Sally leaving this reality, and we owe so much to her. Her energy, her clear values, her intelligence were an inspiration to our movement. We miss you and will always remember you and your determination 💕
Kevin Fitts
As a mother of our movement, she loved, nurtured and accepted us all regardless of where we stood on the spectrum or survivor to consumer. Sally embodied kindness, compassion and love. But she was also driven by an outrage few of us saw directly, an outrage focused on strategies and solutions rather than breast beating. She wanted to win on behalf of our community and established and led so many successful campaigns, coalitions and programs. She was savvy and shrewd…she didn’t waste time raging at the darkness but looking for the light. She herself was always a beacon of light, she spoke the truth plainly and simply, she was always so humble and never a complainer, even as so many illnesses threatened and eventually took her life from cancer to Covid and many in between. I feel great grief but also great love for her and by extension for all of us.
I asked Sally a few weeks ago about what she saw as our greatest victory and daunting challenge. She celebrated the creation of a movement that transformed lives, services and systems and public policy for decades and, at the same time, deeply yearbed to see our broader community come together and get past our differences…beliefs, personalities and styles…and to keep our eyes on the prize of the quality of human life and the imperative of human rights. Rest in power and much deserved peace my dear friend.
