DMH Office of Communications and Community Engagement

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Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, M.D., recently announced the launch of a new blog, Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services. This new social media platform will provide news, updates and serve as a forum for open dialogue about issues related to all 16 EOHHS agencies.

"I enjoy blogging, as it is wonderful opportunity to communicate directly with our many stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth," said Secretary Bigby. "The new space fuels our ability to further engage in dialogue and debate, across a wide spectrum of issues."

The new blog space is in addition to the Department of Public Health's Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health, where Secretary Bigby is a frequent blogger.

 Click here to read blog posts by Secretary Bigby and others

Department of Public Health Blog 

Research concerning racial, ethnic and cultural diversity

By Ed K.S Wang, Psy.D.

Director, DMH Office of Multicultural Affairs

The Surgeon General Report on Mental Health: Culture, Race and Ethnicity and the Institute of Medicine's report on Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities both indicated disparities of access, quality of services and outcomes among racially and linguistically diverse populations in the nation. With the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of DMH clients, developing a knowledge base of population based research concerning racial, ethnic and cultural diversity has become an integral part of the research agenda of the two Centers of Excellence. Research results will inform policy, culturally competent practices and culturally responsive person-centered care.

Through the leadership of Dr. Rosalie A. Torres Stone, Center for Mental Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Dr. Huijun Li, Commonwealth Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, the importance of evidence based practice and practice based evidence for diverse populations becomes a focus of the two Centers.

Drs. Stones and Li pictured presented at the DMH Annual Conference: Holistic Approach to Recovery.  These are their written abstracts of their studies.

APPEALING FEATURES OF VOCATIONAL SUPPORTS FOR LATINO & NON-LATINO TRANSITION AGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS CONSUMERS

Rosalie A. Torres Stone

Unemployment rates among adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions (SMHC) are 85 to 92%. Job placement services make the biggest difference between working and not working for these individuals. There are currently no established job placement services specifically for young adults. Dr. Torres Stone, Director of Multicultural Research at the CMHSR (Dr. Carl Fulwiler, Director),is completing a participatory action research study that examines employment disparities in Latino and non-Latino young adults with SMHC by examining their experiences with three nationally-established adult vocational support programs.

Preliminary findings indicate that program features such as staff and peer support, educational supports, career goal setting, job skills training, and involvement of mental health counselors are appealing to young adults. They desire careers, not just jobs, and see employment as a way to contribute to society.  For Latino young adults, socioeconomic status, social environment, language barriers and stigma uniquely impact their experience with vocational supports.

This study's findings will help identify critical program elements of vocational support programs for Latino and non-Latino young adults that will more effectively target this age group while successfully retaining them in vocational support services. Funding provided by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the UMass Medical School's Commonwealth Medicine Division.

CULTURAL FACTORS IN THE ONSET OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

Huijun Li

Duration of untreated illness is related to stigma and barriers to care in the social environment of clinically vulnerable persons and that the length to treatment is also associated with familial-cultural definitions and reactions to early signs of mental illness that are culturally defined. Because brain changes appear to be occurring in this early psychosis phase, delays in treatment may have deleterious effects on brain and cognition. Supported by the National Institute of Mental Health and DMH, Dr. Huijun Li, the Director of Multicultural Research at the CRC (Dr. Larry Seidman, Director), has been conducting a research project to investigate the relationship between duration of untreated illness in patients at risk for psychosis and first episode (FE) psychotic patients and stigma, family cohesiveness, and perception of barriers to mental health services. 

This on-going study has yielded meaningful preliminary results.  Dr. Li found that those at risk of psychosis and FE research participants who reported higher levels of stigma and more barriers to mental services had significantly longer duration. The barriers included no transportation, lack of English skills; or perceived barriers, such as fear of being misunderstood by mental health providers. In addition, the closer the family members feel to each other and the more connected one feels to family members, the shorter the duration of the illness.

The practical implications of this study more effort to educate the public about mental illness may help to fight stigma; mental health agencies and policy makers should strive to improve access of mental health services; and promoting family support and union may facilitate more timely help-seeking behaviors.

DMH Connections marks National Nurses Month with a look at a day in the life of DMH registered nurse Laurie McGeever, who serves as nurse coordinator at the Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center in Boston. Laurie's story, Under the apple tree, was published in the March 2011 edition of Nursing2011 magazine.

In Under the apple tree, you reflect on a first experience with an elderly patient during your days as a student nurse. What did you learn about the "fundamentals of nursing" on that day?

I learned what all nurses learn: you never give up despite how difficult things may become. Through persistence, perseverance, determination and skill you can always make a difference in the life of a patient.

How has that day impacted your career?

That particular day is just one of many challenging and rewarding days. That is what makes the nursing profession so special. Nurses have special days all the time.

What inspired you to write this story and have it published?

The editor-in-chief in her monthly column last May solicited a challenge of sorts in celebration of Nurses Week. I literally had no idea how significant this would be and emailed my story off directly to her on a Friday; she emailed me back on Sunday morning. Nursing2011 has an international readership of well over 330,000 subscribers and is by far the largest nursing journal on the planet. I think I just got lucky.

What are your 3 main job responsibilities as a nurse coordinator at Fuller CMHC?

1. Leadership

2. Responsibility

3. Teamwork

You will have to give me more writing room if you want me to elaborate; the job description is very long and leaves little out. We do it all.

What is a "typical" day like? Is your routine basically the same every day?

There is no "typical day" at Fuller as is the case in most nursing environments. Some daily tasks are predictable and routine while many parts of a shift are driven by the needs of patients.

What are your greatest rewards?

Fuller Community Mental Health Center is a special place. From the exemplary leadership of the Director of Nursing Barbara Haskell to the direct care staff and everyone in between, there is a true sense of caring at this facility. My greatest reward is being a part of that; we make a difference to some of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable people every day--knowing that and feeling that is very rewarding.

Who do you interact with the most?

What advice would you give a new nurse, student or someone considering the nursing profession?

I believe nurses in general are very compassionate people but additionally believe a psychiatric nurse has a very empathic soul, someone who says "but for the grace of God go I" a lot, someone who is willing to do the work despite challenging, difficult circumstances. A nurse who does not give up and through persistence, perseverance, determination and skill makes a difference in patients' lives.

DMH salutes Laurie and all of the  nurses and nurse practitioners who serve in this critical role at DMH facilities.

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults struggle with a treatable mental health condition each year? That's almost 60 million people. Who is your 1 in 4? Do you know a family member, friend, veteran or colleague quietly struggling with depression, ADHD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse or some other mental health issue?

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) joins the nation in observing Mental Health Month, a time when awareness can help many people understand that there is no shame in seeking treatment for mental health issues. Mental Health Month was founded 53 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental health for everyone. This year we address these important issues through two themes. "Do More for 1 in 4" is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can recover and go on to live full and productive lives. "Live Well! It's Essential for Your Potential" focuses on the importance of mental wellness and the steps everyone can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges.

To help observe Mental Health Month, DMH and the mental health community will host, sponsor and participate in a number of events and activities statewide that highlight mental wellness and overall health throughout the Commonwealth.

A few of the many Mental Health Month featured events are listed below. Click here to visit the May is Mental Health Month page on the DMH website. On the page you will find links to full listings of events happening around the state.

May 11

Spirituality and Mental Health, Featuring Nancy Kehoe,

author of Wrestling with Our Inner Angels:
Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey
to Wholeness  
 2 to 4 p.m

The Plymouth Church

United Church of Christ 

87 Edgell Road

Framingham, MA

Too often people with mental health struggles are cut off from the promise of a spiritual life found in faith communities. How can we better understand how the riches of faith can bring restoration and wholeness to those who struggle with mental illness? How can we come to see the need to extend a more generous and hope filled welcome to those who struggle in our midst? Please join us for this important and enriching conversation.

Nancy Kehoe, Ph.D., is a member of the religious of Sacred Heart. She is a clinical instructor
in psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the Cambridge Health Alliance affiliated with Harvard Medical School.  RSVP: Events@AdvocatesInc.org   

May 19 

Express Yourself

7 to 9 p.m.

Citi Wang Theater

270 Tremont Street, Boston

General admission seating

Make plans to join the celebration as the award-winning young performers of Express Yourself will hit the Citi Wang Theatre stage. This is one of the most anticipated events of the year and this year will be no different. The group's "Here and Now" performance celebrates the power of creative arts and the transformative power it holds for the lives of underserved youth in the community and in the Department of Mental Health treatment facilities.

Performers from last year's Red, Hot and Blue Performance

May 20

Remembering the Past, Forging a New Future: A Department of Mental Health Historic Retrospective of Worcester State Hospital. DMH Commissioner Barbara A. Leadholm will host an opening reception for the exhibit on Friday, May 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. The retrospective will be on display through July 29.

History proves that Massachusetts has been a leader in caring for people with serious mental illness since it built the first public psychiatric hospital in the country in Worcester in 1833, serving as a model that other states soon followed. The rich history and legacy of the Department of Mental Health's Worcester State Hospital will be on display at Alternatives Inc. Aldrich Heritage Gallery in Whitinsville. Dennis H. Rice, Executive Director of Alternatives, Inc., a DMH provider partner, spearheaded the exhibit and offered the space at the Heritage Gallery to launch the retrospective.

"We are very pleased to bring this remarkable exhibit to the public and we thank Alternatives for collaborating with us in reminding all of the important historical context of Worcester State Hospital and all of the Department's hospitals," said Commissioner Leadholm. "Treatment of mental illness has evolved on many levels and with the new DMH hospital nearing completion, we will see a new future for treatment and recovery."

May 21

2011 NAMI Walk

The 2011 NAMIWalks will be held at Artesani Park in Boston.  Registration begins at 9 a.m., and walkers will step off at 11 a.m. 

To register visit www.nami.org/namiwalks/ma or contact Karen Gromis at kgromis@namimass.org or 781-938-4048. 

Join volunteers like the Recovery is Real walk team or the Northeast-Suburban Area or start a team of your own. By participating, you can join the thousands who take a stand for raising awareness of the stigma of mental illness. 

May 24 and 25

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program presents the 10th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference"
Making Connections, Creating Hope, Saving Lives: Suicide Prevention across the Lifespan"

Best Western Royal Plaza, 181 Boston Post Road W, Marlborough. Click here for a brochure and to register.

The two full day conference is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention and AdCare Educational Institute, Inc. Workshops and panel discussions will include: "A Community Response: Addressing depression and suicide among middle aged men on Cape Cod"  in which DMH Pocasset Mental Health Center Site Director Steve Jochim will present on the outreach work undertaken by the DMH Cape and Islands team. 

May 25

The Bridge of Central MA - The Bridge South County Mental Health Awareness Event

12 to 3 p.m. Jacob Edwards Library, 236 Main Street, Southbridge. The focus of the event will be on schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and will include a screening of the film "A Beautiful Mind." Free popcorn and beverages will be served.

DMH is among the sponsors of a unique event aimed to raise awareness of LGBT suicide risk and prevention and place this issue on the state and national agendas with a framework for actions aimed at reducing suicidal behavior in these populations.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Greater Boston Chapter will host the Scientific Symposia on Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations on Saturday, June 18, at Bentley University in Waltham.  The Symposia will be coupled with an anniversary dinner that same evening celebrating the 20th year of the Greater Boston chapter of AFSP, the oldest chapter in the nation. 

This event follows the release of a comprehensive report on the prevalence and underlying causes of suicidal behavior in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adolescents and adults. Titled "Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations," the report makes recommendations for closing knowledge gaps about suicidal behavior in LGBT people and calls for making LGBT suicide prevention a national priority.

The Symposia keynote is Caitlin Ryan, director of The Family Acceptance Project and author of Lesbian & Gay Youth: Care & Counseling, the first comprehensive guide to health and mental health care for lesbian and gay youth.  The Family Acceptance Project is the only community research, intervention, education and policy initiative which addresses comprehensive public health issues for the LGBT youth population through the medium of their families.

Breakout session topics include: Creating Safe Spaces across the Lifespan; Why Words Matter in Media and Social Media; Making Mental Health an LGBT National Priority; The Interface of Stigma, Psychiatric Vulnerability and Depression and Coming out as LGBT; and Suicide Prevention in Transgender Communities.

Symposia Honorary Committee members include Former State Senator Bob Antonioni; Alison Brill, Department of Public Health; State Representative Liz Malia; Arthur Lipkin, Massachusetts Commission on LGBT Youth; Lisa Krinsky, LGBT Aging Project; and Ed Travers, Greater Boston Business Council; and Stephen Weiner, Mintz Levin.

For more information, contact Melanie Varady at mvarady@afsp.org or 617-469-0940, or visit the website at www.afsp.org/greaterboston. To learn more about AFSP's LGBT suicide prevention efforts, visit www.afsp.org/lgbt.

The DMH Northeast-Suburban Area recently participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Cabot Street Homes project in Beverly, one of several community housing collaborations among DMH and local affordable housing providers.

DMH began its work in the Cabot Street Homes project in 2006 in collaboration with the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition and the North Shore YMCA, as well as several other local lending institutions. Trust funds from the former Danvers State Hospital were used for the project which includes 43 units which will be leased to individuals with incomes at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income. Danvers Housing Trust funds and facility consolidation funds ensure that eight of the individuals will be people receiving DMH services. The project is a state-of-the-art green facility. It has received Platinum Certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system and is certified by the EPA as an Energy Star Homes building.  Solar panels on the roof power the common area lighting and appliances and water and energy conservation is built into every aspect of the design and materials. The building will have a Green Learning Center in the community room to inform individuals about its green features. 

Danvers Housing Trust funds and facility consolidation funds will also be used in two other collaborative projects that are nearing completion: Holcroft Homes, 33 rental units also in Beverly in collaboration with the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition; and Powder House Village project in Ipswich in collaboration with the YMCA of the North Shore, scheduled to open this summer.

Exceptional collaboration among DMH and its community housing partners in these projects has been the driving force in creating affordable housing opportunities for individuals receiving DMH services. Key organizers include Mickey Northcutt, Executive Director, Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition; Don Preston, President, Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition, President of North Shore Habitat for Humanity and President of the North Shore DMH Site Advisory Board; Jack Meaney, CEO of the North Shore YMCA; DMH staff Donna Murray, Northeast Suburban Housing Director; Fred Hammdorff, North Shore Site Director; and Joe Vallely, DMH Housing Director. 

The Consortium, a DMH provider partner in Western Massachusetts, has recently announced that its Franklin County programs, including the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community, was selected as an exemplary community based program for trauma-informed peer support by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Consortium has worked with SAMSHA over the years on a variety of programs and initiatives.  During a visit to Washington, D.C. last year, Maria Rodman, Associate Executive Director of the Consortium, suggested that they pay a visit to Franklin County to see what has developed from their seed money--and they did. Mary Blake, a SAMHSA public health analyst and a specialist in peer-to-peer support, visited last fall to meet with the programs in Franklin County: The RECOVER Project, the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community, the Women's Resource Center, The Women's Idea Factory, the Greenbook Project and the Salasin Project. As part of her visit, she had lunch with community members who shared their recovery experiences and connections with the Consortium.

Impressed by what she experienced, Ms. Blake nominated the Consortium to SAMHSA's Knowledge and Application Program which highlights model programs that can be replicated in other communities throughout the country. Consortium Programs in Franklin County are funded in part by DMH, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Children and Families.

SAMHSA is helping to develop a video of the programs which will be screened later this year during a celebration event. Watch future DMH Connections for the details.

Yoga classes are held regularly at the Western Mass RLC