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Multicultural Corner   

 

 

Seeing Recovery Through the Eyes of Ethnic and Cultural Minorities  

 

In recent years, racial and ethnic disparities in health care have been consistently documented across a wide range of medical conditions and health care services, including mental health care. Providing recovery-oriented and peer support services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner is important to reducing these disparities. Understanding how consumers of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds perceive and interpret the concepts of recovery and peer support as well as their experience of service access is a critical path for providers and peer support workers to better serve diverse populations.  

 

"Understanding How Ethnic and Cultural Minorities Perceive Peer Support and Recovery" is a recent study completed by Linda Cabral, Kathy Muhr and Judy Savageau of the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Health Policy and Research in collaboration with from Ed Wang, Psy.D., Director of the DMH Office of Multicultural Affairs; Lucille Traina, DMH Coordinator of Statewide Initiatives; and John Deluca, MassHealth Behavioral Health.

 

This research builds on work initiated by DMH in our efforts to insure that people who are deaf/hard of hearing and other minority clients benefit from the peer support and recovery movement. The Office of Multicultural Affairs promotes the use of cultural brokers through work with and advocacy on the part of its Multicultural Advisory Committee.

 

Lucille Traina, who also coordinates deaf services at DMH, has worked with deaf consumers to promote access to the Recovery Learning Communities and with the Transformation Center to develop a CPS curriculum which is culturally and linguistically appropriate. The following synopsis of the study is written by Linda and her team:

 

The study sought to better understand how persons with mental health conditions from two cultural groups, Latino and Deaf/Heard of Hearing (D/HH), access recovery-oriented and peer support services. Results from this study helped to inform the DMH regarding system improvements that could be made to better serve these populations.

 

We utilized cultural brokers, who were mental health peers from the cultural communities of focus, to work with the research team in all phases of the study. This approach was effective because cultural brokers can identify with and have knowledge of the cultural heritage, as well as knowledge of the mainstream mental health system. The cultural brokers partnered with evaluation staff to conduct interviews and focus groups in the participants' language of choice. The goal of this approach was to maximize the comfort level of participants and to encourage them to share their views on mental health recovery and peer support.

 

For both cultural groups, multiple communication issues were barriers to accessing appropriate mental health services. Barriers such as a lack of providers able to communicate in a person's preferred language and inadequate interpretation services were cited as well as a lack of qualified professionals who speak Spanish or use American Sign Language (ASL). Among both groups, the preference was to work directly with someone in the language they feel most comfortable with and to avoid interpreters.

 

Among the peers interviewed, peer support was valued among everyone. All study participants preferred peer support to be offered in a language they could fully participate in. However, there are limited peer support groups available in Spanish and even less available in ASL.

 

We believe that this study can inform others who are interested in collecting health disparities data from people of different cultural groups. Using qualitative data collection and employing a cultural broker was an effective approach and one that should be considered when seeking to collect sensitive data from people of different cultural backgrounds.

 

For the complete study, Click here to view the report.

RLC Spotlight
  

 

SE Recovery Learning Community Hosts 5th Annual Recovery is Real

 

The DMH Southeast Recovery Learning Community (SEMA RLC) is looking forward to the 5th Annual Recovery Is Real Celebration on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ricky Silvia Gym, Taunton State Hospital. The SEMA RLC officially turns three this year and celebrates recovery being real every day. This year's celebration theme is "Conversation, Connection and Community: How open dialogue, person first language & Intentional Peer Support can create community." The event will feature speakers whose stories reflect diverse communities and paths to recovery.

 

Speakers will discuss personal milestones such as going back to work, getting one's own place, volunteering, health and wellness, transitioning from the hospital into the community and how  connections and community support recovery goals. The audience will hear how individuals accomplished some of these goals, how they stay well on a day-to-day basis and how others can make some of those same connections.

 

This year the SEMA RLC will present the 2nd annual Recovery is Real Award to Pathways Day Treatment. It is important to recognize not only peers but also providers who do wonderful recovery-oriented work and are dedicated to mental health wellness.

 

A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Recovery is Real is held in collaboration with Community Counseling of Bristol County and Taunton State Hospital.

 

If you plan to attend, please confirm by Sept. 23 by calling Debbie at 508-977-3417. Deaf and Hard of Hearing interpretation will be provided. Questions or more information: call the SEMA RLC at 508-880-8527. Click here to view a printable flyer.

 Conferences and Events 

Recovery Is Now: Get Involved!

 

DMH joins the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in celebrating Recovery Month. Now in its 22nd year, Recovery Month highlights individuals who have reclaimed their lives and are living happy and independently in long-term recovery. Recovery Month also honors the treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible. Recovery Month promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible and also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective recovery services for those in need.

 

While Recovery Month is observed in September, for DMH, its staff, consumers, providers and advocates, recovery is a year-round initiative that supports educational outreach and events throughout the year that highlight the many recovery stories that give hope.

 

Recovery Month began in 1989 as TreatmentWorks! Month, which acknowledged the work of the treatment and recovery professionals in the field. The observance evolved to National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) in 1998, when it expanded to include celebrating the accomplishment of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The national observance is evolving once again in 2011, to include all aspects of behavioral health.

 

Each September, thousands of treatment and recovery programs and services around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about recovery, how it works, for whom and why. There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery.

 

SAMHSA gathered 140 federal, state and local government entities, as well as non-profit organizations and associations affiliated with prevention, substance use and mental disorders to work on the Recovery Month Planning Partners' group. The Planning Partners assist in the development, dissemination and collaboration of materials, promotion and event sponsorship for the Recovery Month initiative.

 

To learn more about Recovery Month and how you or your organizations can get involved, click Recovery.

DMH and SAMHSA: National Wellness Week Launches During Recovery Month at Tewksbury  

 

As part of September's nationally observed Recovery Month, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will launch the first National Wellness Week September 19-25 to promote the many ways wellness can improve quality of life and increase life expectancy for people with mental illness and substance use disorders. The DMH Northeast-Suburban Area is excited to host Lauren Spiro, the Mental Health Communication Manager for SAMHSA and one of the forces behind National Wellness Week, who will launch the first National Wellness Week in Massachusetts with DMH on Sept. 19 at Tewksbury State Hospital in a day-long workshop. Lauren will discuss the SAMHSA 10x10 Campaign and the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.

 

Regular readers of DMH Connections are familiar with the fact that persons with mental illness have a shorter life expectancy of an average of 25 years than the general population. In our efforts to raise awareness, change attitudes and focus on whole health, DMH signed on to the SAMHSA 10x10 Wellness Campaign. Launched in 2010, the campaign promotes the importance of addressing all parts of a person's life in hopes of increasing life expectancy for persons with mental illness and substance use disorders by 10 years in 10 years. Nearly 3,000 organizations and individuals have made a commitment to this work by signing the Pledge for Wellness. The Campaign is guided by a multidisciplinary Steering Committee representing consumers, providers and researchers.

 

Aligned with the campaign, SAMHSA is promoting the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (chart pictured below). SAMHSA defines wellness as "overall well-being. It incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person's life. Each aspect of wellness can affect overall quality of life, so it is important to consider all aspects of health. This is especially important for people with mental illness and substance use disorders because wellness directly relates to the quality and longevity of your life."

 

Social - developing a sense of connection and a well-developed support system

Physical - recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition while discouraging the use of tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption

Emotional - developing skills and strategies to cope effectively with stress, challenges, and conflict

Spiritual - searching for meaning and purpose in human existence

Occupational - deriving personal satisfaction and enrichment from one's work

Intellectual - recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills

Environmental - fostering good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being

Financial - feeling satisfied with current and foreseeable future financial situation

 

The National Wellness Week workshop at Tewksbury State Hospital will also include morning session speakers Oryx Cohen from the National Empowerment Center; Lisa Forestell fom the Western Mass. Recovery Learning Community; and Elizabeth Frates, M.D. of The Institute of Lifestyle Medicine. Oryx and Lisa will talk about local wellness activities and Elizabeth will discuss wellness of body, mind and spirit.

 

In the afternoon session, Lauren Spiro will present an educational workshop with Beth Filson on trauma and wellness. In addition to her involvement with the 10x10 Campaign, Lauren, who was as a teenager labeled with chronic schizophrenia, is also a coordinator with the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care.  Beth Filson serves on the Steering Team of the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care.  She is lead developer of a peer engagement guide for women in trauma-informed peer support to be released later this year. 

 

Both workshops are open to DMH and provider staff, persons with lived experience and other interested parties. Registration is required. DMH employees can register through PACE. All others can e-mail the DMH Northeast Staff Development office with the number of people planning on attending at NEAStaffDev@dmh.state.ma.us.  If you need special accommodations, notify the Staff Development office as soon as possible.  Click the links to download a printable flyer for the morning session and the afternoon session.

 

Below are some useful links to SAMHSA's Health and Wellness Resources:

• A Report of the 2007 National Wellness Summit for People with Mental Illness
• SAMHSA 10x10 Wellness Brochure
• SAMHSA 10x10 Wellness Campaign Information for Consumers
• SAMHSA 10x10 Information Brochure for General Health Care Providers
• SAMHSA Top 3 Ways to Promote Wellness Poster
• SAMHSA Eight Dimensions of Wellness Poster
• National Empowerment Center - Wellness Works Initiative

 Follow the DMH Twitter account @MassDMH for Tweets on health and wellness related information and resources during the week of September 19-25.

 

Health and Wellness is everyone's concern: staff, people receiving services and the general public. There are many examples of things everyone can do right now that are low or no cost and can be done by anyone. Remember that exercise and healthy eating work better when done with partners and that wellness is not just a one-week event, it's a lifestyle.

DMH Runs, Rides and Remembers

 

Recovery Month is an excellent time to remember that there a many ways to stay healthy, get exercise and maintain wellbeing. Listed here are a few events that not only get people moving, they help us keep in mind the selfless individuals who dedicate themselves to a worthy cause.

 

Run...

The13th Annual Run for Ricky Scholarship 5k Race (3.1 miles) run and family fun walk will take place this year on a new date in the early fall -- Saturday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Taunton State Hospital. The running event has many categories based on age and gender with medals and special prizes for participants who bring their babies with strollers, who bring their dog, for the youngest runner and oldest runner. This year features more than 75 free raffle prizes to all who participate.

 

A special race category called the Area Director's cup is open to all public agencies that have three runners from the same agency. Teams compete for the coveted cup. The winner's name is engraved on the cup and the the team keeps it for display at their agency until next year's run. Teams compete in a separate division for this cup. Teams that place first, second and third all receive medals. Some agencies or DMH facilities such as Corrigan Mental Health Center in Fall River plan to field a few teams this year.

 

It's a fun-filled day with a seasonal theme of displays of the bounty from the Taunton State Hospital patient greenhouse. The Friends of Taunton State Hospital will host a coat sale; volunteers will recite poems by Robert Frost; and face painting and refreshments for all will add to the festivities.

 

The Run for Ricky Scholarship 5k Race was created 13 years ago in memory of Taunton State Hospital staff member Rick Silvia. Rick Silvia was returning home from work one winter day and heard a youth yelling for help and struggling on an icy pond in Taunton. Rick dove into the pond and kept the teenager above the water but sadly lost his life in his heroism. The Hospital Trustees and The Friends of Taunton State Hospital organized this community-wide event in his honor. As always, the Run for Ricky is open to everyone.  Click here for an entry form.

 

Ride...

On Sunday, Sept. 18, DMH Essex North Case Management Supervisor Bob Weeks; Jim Farren, Child/Adolescent Human Service Coordinator Supervisor in the Lowell Site Office; and Jack Lyons, Program Manager, Child/Adolescent Services in the Northeast-Suburban Area Office will be joining Fred Knowles, a former long-time DMH case management supervisor and some family and friends for their 4th annual bicycle-riding fundraiser, A Reason to Ride. Bob's goal this year is to ride 25 miles as part of TEAM DALE.

 

A Reason to Ride was established in 2008 to benefit brain cancer care and research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Fred learned about the ride while his wife Dale was receiving treatment at BIDMC that year. He worked himself into 25-mile bike-riding shape and established TEAM DALE with Bob Weeks to participate in the event and acknowledge Dale's tremendous battle. Team Dale has been rolling ever since. To learn more about the Knowles' story, read "Dale is Fred's Reason" on the Reason to Ride home page.

 

Anyone interested in riding may join the team. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting riders on the day of the event you can sign up on the Reason to Ride site as well. Bob reports that it is an especially inspiring event where you can meet cancer survivors and patients who are undergoing treatment, as well as family and friends who are supporting loved ones, living and deceased.

 

And Remember...

Participating in these events is a fun way to incorporate health and wellness into our lives while showing our support for others. Recovery Month is a great opportunity for all to run, ride and remember.

DMH Connections works to keep you up to date on changes and additions to our online presence so that you can stay connected and supported in your work. We strive to stay on top of website and intranet updates. If you have any site or contact changes at your facility or in your division, or if you spot any inaccuracies, please send them to Anna Chinappi.
 
Below are a list and links of the most recent changes and updates: 

  

    
In the top left column under What We Do>DMH Resource Guides. The DMH Resource Guide (Word) has been updated.

In the top left column under What We Do>DMH Results and Reports page under the Consumer Experience Data bullet: the DMH Peer Workforce Survey Report 2011 has been added. 

 

  

In the left middle column under Contact Information: DMH Divisions and Departments continue to be updated to reflect the DMH Redesign progress.

  

Photo of the Month

Shout Out for Young Adult Recovery!