News
MAMH will update this page to provide readers with news and information on issues of interest to the mental health community.
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SENATE PRESIDENT THERESE MURRAY AND JOHN E. DREW HONORED BY MAMH
The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, Inc. (MAMH) gave Hon. Therese Murray, President of the Massachusetts Senate, its 2010 Spirit of Compassion Award and John E. Drew, Founder and President of Drew Company, Inc. its 2010 Friend and Leader Award. In addition, a special recognition was given to Astrid Desrosiers, M.D. The Awards were prsented at an evening reception on Thursday, May 6, 2010 (6:00 PM -8:30PM) at the Seaport Hotel/Plaza Ballroom in Boston.
MAMH AND OTHER ADVOCATES URGE GOVERNOR TO END BUDGET CUTS AT DMH.
MAMH and other mental health advocacy organizations delivered a letter to Governor Patrick on Friday, January 15, 2010 urging that his House 2 budget submission not impose any further cuts at the Department of Mental Health (DMH). The letter, endorsed by 19 organizations stated in part:
“As a result of lowered budgets and multiple 9C cuts, DMH has terminated services, reduced others, and laid-off direct care and other staff. In December 2009 the State House News reported that approximately 600 mental health workers at DMH would be laid off, take a voluntary lay-off or retirement in the next few month. Those still working at DMH will be asked to do more with less for the rest of FY 2010 and throughout FY 2011. Meanwhile, clients and family members are on waiting lists for even the most basic of services, and a state hospital and a mental health center are closing.”
For the full text of the letter: FY 2011 Advocates Letter to Governor Patrick
THALEIA TSONGAS SCHLESINGER NAMED NEW MAMH PRESIDENT
Government and Community Relations specialist Thaleia Schlesinger was named MAMH Board President at the 96th Annual Meeting this past November. Schlesinger succeeds Thomas P. Glynn, Chief Operating Office of Partners HealthCare, served as Board President the past two years.
Schlesinger is President of Schlesinger & Associates, a public affairs consulting firm founded in 1986, specializing in strategic planning and communications; marketing; government, community and media relations and crisis management.
Ms Schlesinger has been involved in local and national politics for the past three decades. She campaigned actively for her twin brother, former Senator Paul Tsongas’s presidential, congressional and senatorial campaigns. She served as press secretary for Congressman Barney Frank’s 1980 campaign and as Chair of his 1982 reelection campaign. She has been a delegate to the 1980, 1984, 1992 and 2008 Democratic Conventions. She was chair of the Massachusetts Delegation for the 1992 Democratic National Convention.
Ms Schlesinger’s extensive community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Boston Center for the Arts, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Medical Foundation, the Mass Association of Mental Health and Northeastern University’s School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy. She has also served on boards of national organizations such as People for the American Way.
NATIONAL ANTI-STIGMA CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED WITH ACTRESS GLENN CLOSE
On October 21, 2009 a national anti-stigma campaign was launched: BringChange2Mind. Its mission is twofold:
- to provide people with misconceptions about mental illness quick and easy access to information that combats stigma
- to provide people with mental illness, and those who know them, quick and easy access to information and support.
The information will be offered via a user-friendly website portal, directing
visitors to the critical resources they need.
Film Director Ron Howard donated his time in directing the organization’s first
PSA featuring Glenn Close and her sister, Jessie Close. John Mayer generously
donated his song, “Say” which serves as an anthem for this movement.
The campaign has the support of major mental health organizations, including
the Active Minds, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP),
International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO), the Jed Foundation, Mental Health America (MHA), National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), NARSAD, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH),and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
For more information visit http://www.bringchange2mind.org
MAMH BOARD MEMBER BARRY WHITE NAMED AMBASSADOR TO NORWAY
The United States Senate has confirmed long time MAMH board member and former President, Barry White, as Ambassador to Norway. Mr. White, is an attorney and former managing partner at Foley Hoag in Boston. Mr. White presented his credentials to the King of Norway on November 5, 2009 and assumed his duties on that date.