The ninth annual Picnic for Parity was held again in Bryant Park, an exceptionally beautiful city park, inclusive just like mental health should be inclusive. Several thousand people attend each year, when the weather is good, where the community can meet as concerned citizens. It's a place where consumers, providers and family members can join together. This year the picnic was advertised in two newspapers, am New York and The Village Voice.
The Picnic for Parity seeks to decrease the disparity between the treatment of mental illness and any other medical condition. If a person with diabetes has health insurance, the expenses of living with the disease are covered. If a person is disabled with a mental health disorder, only a small portion of the expensive treatment is covered by private health insurance and also access to care is limited. The way society treats its less fortunate is a reflection of the values of that society.
There were over 50 tables reserved by various organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Children's Mental Health, Rita Project, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, FEGS, Morningside/Westside Community Action Coalition, Harlem Bay Network Clubhouse, VESID, STARS, PSCH, Baltic Street Mental Health Board and Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement, to name a few. There were also tables set up for voter registration and a phone-in to representatives of our legislature.
The master of ceremonies was former Miss New York State Jessica Lynch.
The event began at 11:45 a.m. with the Ron Jackson trio and singer Danny Smalls getting the crowd up, singing and dancing.
Volunteers from different mental health programs worked hard and were very efficient. Lunches were provided by the Stardust Diner
Handouts included hats, buttons for the New York State mental health parity law called Timothy's Law and programs and relevant information.
People who came to the park received all sorts of information from each of the organizations involved. Their questions were patiently answered on Mental Health issues and Mental Health resources were shared. Although rain was predicted, the sun was shining brightly most of the day. All in all, it was a lovely scene. It was quite obvious that people cared because the feedback we received was exceptionally good.