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In the indescribably beautiful Bryant Park the annual Picnic for Parity took place this year on June 26, 2002. Parity means equal access to mental health care with physical health care for insurance purposes. Our fight for parity is a struggle. This is a struggle for a basic human right and some day soon we will win this struggle. Indeed not covering mental illness causes lost productivity and absenteeism. Untreated mental disorders cost the nation's businesses about $70 billion annually.

At this year's information fair, there were more agencies participating then ever before. In the past, tables were empty. This year every table, lining the entire length of the park, was taken. Parity is a hot issue and as I write this article, Federal Parity legislation looks promising.

The day of the picnic we were out there with hundreds, if not thousands of our fellow New Yorkers. The day was very hot and humid and then it rained. Daniel Frey won the Kenneth Myron Steel Memorial Award for Consumer Advocacy. As he was unable to attend, I agreed to accept the award on his behalf. Due to the rain, I was unable to accept Daniel's award with the speech I had prepared. I would however, like to let each of you know how appropriate it is that the award goes to Daniel and would like to share the speech with you now:

I am accepting this award for Daniel Frey. Daniel likes to describe himself as a person with schizophrenia, who is also the editor of New York City Voices, a consumer newsletter for people with mental illness. Daniel is a stigma buster. He has tireless energy of purpose and a passion. He works as newspaper editor receiving only a small stipend. This remarkable young man is devoting his life to helping others understand and accept mental illness. He is the antithesis of what many in our society see when they think of someone with schizophrenia. The media often portrays us as violent, disheveled and on a hopeless downhill spiral. And then there is Daniel Frey. He is making an invaluable contribution to society. He has meaningful responsible work, and the support of family and friends. Daniel is an example of how good treatment can work and that rapid recovery is possible. Today, with the help of the new antipsychotic medications, real work and a good support system, people get better. Daniel is a role model. He epitomizes what is possible for people with serious mental illness. Daniel, my brother, I am proud to accept this award on your behalf.

One significantly meaningful event at this year's picnic was the contribution of the many volunteers who worked with both enthusiasm and commitment. Of the twelve volunteers from Harlem Bay Network Clubhouse, a few had comments about how they found participating at the picnic.

Ramon Baez said, "The picnic meant a lot to me because it gave me a lot of experience as well as skills. The picnic gave me a chance to communicate with society and explain to them what mental illness is and what it means. I volunteered for the picnic and I was happy to be involved in future events."

Orlando Torres said, "It was fun; I brought the lunch bag and boxes to sections of the designated areas. I feel I learned how to assume responsibility. It made me feel good about myself. It made me understand better about people who are mentally ill. I would like to participate next year."

Demetra Hicks said, "I had a wonderful time. I liked helping people. Even though we got rained out, it was a great experience."

We can't stop the rain, but we can change people's attitudes toward those of us who are suffering from mental illness. We can also change the laws to insure that people with mental illness have this basic human right.