Email | Print

On January 27th, the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS), held its 6th annual Legislative Day in Albany. Hundreds of mental health advocates from across New York State braved the elements to gather and support a grassroots advocacy agenda that was gathered from 10 statewide regional forums last fall.

In the morning consumers and advocates gathered in the Egg's Hart auditorium to hear an overview of NYAPRS' legislative and budget priorities for 2004. There we listened to presentations by the NYAPRS board of directors, consumer advocates, family members, and politicians. We first heard an inspiring story from Sue Sleasman, NYAPRS' first consumer staff member. With the support of a community-based program, Ms. Sleasman was able to return to work and is presently in the process of pursuing a college degree. Ms. Sleasman is now a tireless advocate for community-based services and a strong proponent of Community Reinvestment. Her story is living proof that Reinvestment can and does work.

We heard stirring personal stories from Tom O'Clair and Raymond Ortiz regarding Timothy's Law and the SHU legislation. Mr. O'Clair talked of his struggle to obtain adequate mental health care for his son Timothy. Tragically, because of disparities in mental health insurance coverage, Timothy could not receive the care he so desperately needed and commit suicide. Mr. O'Clair reminded the audience that the passage of Timothy's Law was not only about insurance rights, but also challenging the stigma and resulting prejudice mental health consumers face on a daily basis.

Raymond Ortiz, an advocate from the Urban Justice Center, next gave an inspired speech demanding the passage of Assemblyman Jeffrion L. Aubry's bill 8849, which abolishes the placement of individuals with psychiatric disabilities in solitary housing units (SHUs). Ortiz gave voice to the suffering experienced by hundreds of consumers trapped in solitary confinement and reminded the audience that people of color are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system.

We also heard a gripping story of life in an adult home from Irene Kaplan, an adult home resident. Her tale of hardship for residents there brought the room to silent shock.

Arguably, the most inspired speech by a legislator was that of Assemblyman Aubry, who spoke of the inhumane treatment of people in SHUs. This momentum was carried over to an afternoon press conference in support of his anti-SHU bill.

Throughout the afternoon we were able to break down into smaller groups to meet with our individual legislators. We were able to tell legislators why our programs and supports are so important to us. We also showed that NYAPRS is a broad-based mental health power able to mobilize enthusiastic members from all corners of the state.