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Why is this year's Picnic for Parity different from the last seven picnics? The first picnic was in Central Park's East Meadow. Over 500 consumers, advocates, families and professionals gathered. Consumer advocate Quincy Boykin said, "Let's do it again." We have been putting on this picnic for the last seven years. The picnic, which usually has been held in May, will be held June 26 this year in the incredibly beautiful Bryant Park. What is parity? It is equality. It means mental illness is treated like physical illness for the purposes of insurance coverage. It is a war to end health insurance discrimination against people with mental illness. It is a battle against stigma and misunderstanding.

Parity will not die, but will be reborn. The veil of stigma is slowly lifting in our society. Parity legislation will become the law of the land. It was Ken Steele's dream; it will become a reality someday soon.

Our voices must be heard! That is why we are coming together at this magnificent park on a summer's day. We expect over 5,000 people since it will be midweek and people will be coming from their offices to lunch in the park. Everyone can view the information fair of available services for those affected by mental illness. People from the Board of Elections along with people from the Mental Health Voter Empowerment Project will be there to register unregistered voters. Voter registration has increased and picnic attendance has too.

There will be live music, awards, circus clowns, children's art and a talent show. Special Tees, a consumer-staffed company will be providing free caps. The Bridge, Inc. has sponsorship for the free picnic lunch. We will join together to mix and mingle. We are there to say that treatment is working! It saves lives and is cost effective for the business community.

Our battle for parity is being waged nationwide. Someday soon we will win.