May 27, 2009
Gaudenzia Park Heights New Vision of Hope Program Wins 2009 Outstanding Merit Award
At the MPS annual meeting in April, the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry presented its 2009 Outstanding Merit Award to the Gaudenzia Park Heights New Vision of Hope Program in Baltimore.
The board was particularly impressed with their outstanding services to a very difficult population of dual diagnosis patients with substance abuse and mental illness, many of whom have criminal justice involvement.
In addition, the foundation awarded Honorable Mention to the work of Mosaic Community Services' New Ventures Family Support Group in Timonium, which provides outreach and support to family members and caregivers of persons with mental illness.
The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry established the annual Outstanding Merit Award for a worthy program in Maryland that accomplishes one or more of the following:
- Increases public awareness and understanding of mental illness
- Enhances the quality of care for psychiatric illness
- Reduces the stigma of mental illness
The award, open to the entire Maryland community, carries a prize of $500.
Posted by admin at 04:09 PM
October 25, 2008
"The Mind and Music of Leonard Bernstein" presented by Maryland Psychiatric Society
Dr. Richard Kogan will be speaking at Goucher College on October 25th about famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. The program, entitled "The Mind and Music of Leonard Bernstein," will begin with registration at 6:30pm at the Kraushaar Auditorium.
The main talk will begin at 7:00, followed by a question and answer session at 8:30, and then a dessert reception at 9:00.
The program is expected to cover the connection between hyperthymic temperament and bipolar disorder as well as explore music's role in alleviating depression and accessing ecstatic states. approved as continuing education credit for physicians, social workers, psychologists and counselors and therapists.
Tickets for the event are $45 for Maryland Psychiatric Society members and $60 for non-members. More information can be found at either the Maryland Psychiatric Society website or by viewing/printing the PDF brochure.
Posted by admin at 01:55 PM
July 25, 2008
Foundation Opens 2009 Outstanding Merit Award Nominations
The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry is now taking nominations for its annual Outstanding Merit Awards. Nominees will be vying for the 2008 awards; deadline for nomination is Thursday, March 2, 2009. The nomination form (in Word and PDF document formats) is available in the "Related Link" section below.
This award honors a meritorious endeavor by a person, project or organization within Maryland which accomplishes one or more of the following: increases public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhances the quality of care for psychiatric illness, and reduces the stigma of mental illness.
Related Link:
- Download 2009 Outstanding Merit Award nomination form (Microsoft Word document)
- Download 2009 Outstanding Merit Award nomination form (PDF document)
- 2008 Winner: Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies program
- 2007 Winner: Bowie Therapeutic Nursery Center, Inc.
- 2006 Winner: Mr. Edgar K. Wiggins
Posted by admin at 05:50 PM
May 13, 2008
Foundation Presents Outstanding Merit Award to "Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies"
At the annual meeting of the Maryland Psychiatric Society, on April 24th, The Maryland Foundation's Outstanding Merit Award was presented to "Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies," a program of the Child Center and Adult Services Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The award was received by Nancy Ebb, LCSW, JD and Bruce Tannenbaum M.D., respectively, Co-Director and Psychiatric Consultant at the Center.
The Foundation was impressed with this program because it treats pregnant, uninsured mothers who have suffered from abusive and traumatic experiences. These women are predominantly poor immigrants and many are or have recently been suicidal. Of particular value, the board believed, was that this early intervention prevented future mental illness in both the mothers and their babies.
Honorable mention was awarded to the Gaudenzia Foundations New Vision of Hope Program which is a treatment program in Baltimore for men and women who have been diagnosed by a licensed professional as suffering from both substance abuse and mental health problems.
Posted by admin at 04:33 PM
February 06, 2008
2008 MFP Outstanding Merit Award Nominations Open
The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry is now taking nominations for its annual Outstanding Merit Awards. Nominees will be vying for the 2008 awards; deadline for nomination is March 13, 2008. The nomination form (in Word and PDF document formats) is available in the "Related Link" section below.
This award honors a meritorious endeavor by a person, project or organization within Maryland which accomplishes one or more of the following: increases public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhances the quality of care for psychiatric illness, and reduces the stigma of mental illness.
Related Link:
- Download 2008 Outstanding Merit Award nomination form (Microsoft Word document)
- Download 2008 Outstanding Merit Award nomination form (PDF document)
Posted by admin at 08:42 PM
February 04, 2008
Macbeth is next for Baltimore Washington Center for Psychoanalysis
Macbeth: Genesis of Tyranny
Psychoanalytic Post-show Discussion
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Following the 2 pm performance at the Folger Theater ( 201 E. Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC)
Incited by the witches' prophecy and his ambitious wife, Macbeth journeys into the heart of darkness in a quest for the throne. Menace and magic surround William Shakespeare's chilling Scottish tragedy.
On March 29, following a 2:00 pm matinee, Samuel T. Goldberg, MD, of the Baltimore Washington Center for Psychoanalysis will provide a short talk and facilitate an audience discussion. All are welcome. CEUs and CMEs are available for mental health professionals.
Purchase tickets by February 28th to receive a discounted group rate for this performance. Call 202-675-0367.
Practicing psychotherapists may use this play and discussion to explore and grow in understanding the interplay between psychodynamics, motivation and action. For more information about the program, call 301-470-3635 or 410-792-8060, or visit www.bwanalysis.org. For more information about the play, performed February 28‚ April 6, 2008, visit www.folger.edu/theatre.
Posted by admin at 04:40 PM
December 05, 2007
Psychoanalysts Look at Films at the Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore/Washington Center for Psychoanalysis Presents a Film/Discussion Series:
Close-ups: Psychoanalysts Look at Films
At the Baltimore Museum of Art
April 11, 18, 25, and May 2
7:30 p.m.
In this series, psychoanalysts explore movies to bring out psychological themes. The discussions are directed at mental health professionals and anyone who is interested in human motivation and emotions. For further information phone 410-792-8060 or 301-570-3635.
SUPERBAD
Friday, April 11
Director: Greg Mottola
Discussant: William Wimmer, M.D.
This bittersweet comedy revolves around Evan and Seth, two inseparable buddies who must soon say goodbye as they leave for different colleges. Both are excited by the prospect of "getting with" a girl but are frightened of the unknown. Their friendship is a safe haven but complicated by homoerotic conflicts and Seth's resentment and rivalry with Evan's other relationships. This is a film with many laughs, but at the same time it is a sensitive depiction of typical male adolescent emotional conflicts and their potential resolutions.
THE SECRET LIFE OF WORDS
Friday April 18
Director: Isabel Coixet
Discussant: George Gallahorn, M.D.
Josef (Tim Robbins)and Hanna (Sarah Polley) have been traumatized recently and in the past. Josef, a worker on an oil rig, is burned and temporarily blinded by a fire. Hanna, who is partially deaf, comes to the rig to nurse him until he can safely be moved to shore. We see from their initial interactions how they keep themselves separated from others by a variety of defenses. Unconsciously, in some small and not so small ways, they repeat their traumas. As an empathic bond slowly develops between them, they are able to speak about their traumas and help one another to heal. Though Spanish, the language of the film is English.
TAKE MY EYES
Friday, April 25
Director: Iciar Bollain
Discussant: Barbara Young, M.D.
How is it that two people who love each other dearly - who loan each other their bodies piece by piece in passionate love-making - can arrive at an unbearably painful parting of the ways? The answer to this mystery is gradually revealed as we watch Pilar fighting to save her body and soul from Antonio's violent outbursts, and Antonio's attempts to gain control of himself. We glimpse enough of their backgrounds to grasp the reasons for their sadomasochistic reltionship. Pilar succeeds in escaping her martyrdom after she accuses her mother of being a martyr. The best efforts of a group therapist can no more contain Antonia's jealous rage than a silken net can contain an injured bull. His terror at being abandoned brings about the very thing he most fears.
15 PARK AVENUE
Friday, May 2
Director: Aparna Sen
Discussant: Joseph Bierman, M.D.
Set in modern Calcutta and Bhutan, this Indian film explores the minds and feelings of an Indian family: a young schizophrenic woman who has the delusion that she has a home on Park Avenue with a husband and five children; her unmarried older half sister who is a professor of physics; her parents; and her former fiance. The film is a sympathetic and realistic portrayal of the reactions of the family and former fiance to the mentally ill woman, including guilt, loyalty, anger, and self sacrifice. The involvement of an older experienced psychiatrist is depicted.
Related Links:
- Superbad trailer
- The Secret Life of Words trailer
- Take My Eyes trailer
- 15 Park Avenue trailer
Posted by admin at 04:48 PM
March 26, 2007
More on Dinner Meeting/School Bullying
As reported earlier, on April 25th The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry and the Maryland Regional Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry are presenting part two of a presentation on school bullying. Presenters will look at school bullying as public health risk.
A PDF file with complete information about the event is available for downloading. (Use Adobe Reader or your computer's built-in PDF viewer to read.)
The event will be held:
6:00 p.m. Wednesday April 25, 2007
Radisson Cross Keys
100 Village Square
Baltimore, MD
Featured presenters are:
- Dr. JorgeSrabstein, Child Psychiatrist, Children's National Medical Center
- Rob Schmidt, Behavioral specialist, Talbot County Public School System
- Pam Blackwell, Director of Student Services, Howard County Public Schools
Please RSVP to:
Laurie Tochterman
via email or at
410-215-0618
Posted by admin at 05:02 PM
March 15, 2007
"School Bullying: A Public Health Risk" Part II
The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry and the Maryland Regional Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry are presenting part two of a presentation on school bullying. The event will be held:
6:00 p.m. Wednesday April 25, 2007
Radisson Cross Keys
Baltimore, MD
For further details and directions, please contact:
Laurie Tochterman
via email or at
410-215-0618
Posted by admin at 02:16 PM
January 16, 2007
Psychoanalysts Look at Opera
The opera with its music and high drama is fertile ground for explorations of the human psyche and the human condition thereby enriching a patron's experience of it. Two local psychoanalytic societies, the DC Program of the New York Freudian Society and the
Baltimore Washington Society for Psychoanalysis, are combining their efforts to provide a series of programs on the operas presented by the
Baltimore Opera Company beginning with Tosca in spring 2007.
Dr. Thomas Allen, a Baltimore psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with an interest in the opera since medical school will be the first discussant
The story of Tosca is driven by the artist Cavaradossi in the Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle painting a picture of Mary Magdalene based on a woman he has seen outside of the church. This fuels Tosca's jealousy and leads to the tragic events of the opera.
Because Puccini was also an artist, albeit in another medium, Dr. Allen will discuss the relationship of the "Artist and his Muse" from a psychoanalytic perspective and how this might help us to understand both the composer and the work.
The talk will be given April 29, 2007 starting at 7 PM at the home of Dr. William Wimmer with selections of the opera chosen to illustrate themes of the talk. A light supper will be provided. Space is limited,
reservations are necessary and they will be on a first come first serve basis, cost is $50 per person.
To make reservations call the Friends of Chamber Music, sponsors of the artist side of the program, at 410.321.0553.
Related Links:
- Baltimore Washington Society for Psychoanalysis
- DC Program of the New York Freudian Society
- DC Program of the New York Freudian Society" target="_blank">Baltimore Opera Company
Posted by admin at 01:45 PM
Apply now for 2007 Outstanding Merit Award
Each year, The Board of the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry reviews
submissions from across the state of Maryland for its Award of Outstanding Merit. The award is given to those who advance the Foundation objectives of increasing the public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhancing the quality of care and reducing the stigma of mental illness.
Deadline for submissions for the 2007 award is March 1, 2007.
You may submit nominees using the form here (PDF) (or this form in Word format). Information on the form will tell you where to mail it.
Related Links:
2004 Award of Outstanding Merit winner
Posted by admin at 01:31 PM
September 09, 2006
A Psychiatrist Discusses and Plays Tchaikovsky
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH 6:30 PM
GOUCHER AUDITRIUM
Listen to Dr. Richard Kogan, a Psychiatrist and concert pianist play Tchaikovsky and then discuss this great composers personality and how it contributed to his creations.
The Maryland Psychiatric Society in conjunction with The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry present "Tchaikovsky: Music & Melancholy," featuring Richard Kogan, M.D. The program will be held at Goucher College's Kraushaar Auditorium, with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
For more information or accreditation information please call Meagan Floyd at 410-625-0232.
More information about the performance and discussion as well as an article about Dr. Kogan and his exploration of composers' lives are below.
Related Links:
Maryland Psychiatric Society (PDF of brochure with ticket information linked on homepage)
"Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A Window to the Soul ", Paula Rosen, Education Update, 2003
Posted by admin at 10:10 AM
April 07, 2006
Edgar Wiggins Wins MFP Outstanding Merit Award
The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry announces that Mr. Edgar K. Wiggins was chosen to receive its 2006 Outstanding Merit Award. Mr. Wiggins is Executive Director of Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc., a comprehensive, psychiatric crisis service that provides mobile crisis services, community-based crisis residential alternatives, community-based addictions treatment services and a hotline counseling and referral service.
There were several nominees of high quality, making this a very difficult decision. The board was particularly impressed with Mr. Wiggins's work creating videotaped programs that have aired on Baltimore Cable Access and Comcast’s Education Channel; participating in live radio talk shows including Two Way Talk, Fresh Focus and The Mark Steiner Show; and giving public presentations to a variety of audiences from university to police, clergy and families. His efforts actively promote mental illness awareness and de-stigmatize mental illness. The board also valued his outreach to the minority community.
The award will be presented to Mr. Wiggins at the Maryland Psychiatric Society annual meeting on April 27, 2006.
The annual Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry Outstanding Merit Award recognizes a worthy endeavor in Maryland that accomplishes one or more of the following:
- Increases public awareness and understanding of mental illness
- Enhances the quality of care for psychiatric illness
- Reduces the stigma of mental illness
The award carries a $500 prize.
Posted by admin at 11:30 AM
April 05, 2006
Psychoanalytic Film Discussion Series
A series of film screenings followed by discussions, "Close-ups: Psychoanalysts Look at Film," will be at the Baltimore Museum of Art 7:30 p.m. May 5, 12, 19, and 26. The discussants will focus on the human motivations which are depicted in the films, expanding and enriching the viewers' experience. The audience will be encouraged to participate in the discussions.The schedule is as follows:
May 5: The House of Sand and Fog. This is a dark film that has the feel of a Greek tragedy. Stunning acting performances by Ben Kingley and Jennifer Connelly enhance its power. The traumas of immigration, loss of status, and failures of communication are explored.
Discussant: Robert Lessey, M.D.
May 12: Regarding Henry. Slowly recovering from a coma after being shot in the head, Henry (Harrison Ford) must learn to speak, to walk. and to relate to his wife and daughter whom he no longer recognizes. Prior to his injury Henry was a cold driven lawyer. He gradually changes in response to the love and care of his therapists and his wife. Mike Nichols was the director.
Discussant: Barbara Young, M.D.
May 19: Paperhouse. Eleven year old Anna has feverish dreams after she comes down with infectious mononucleosis. Her dreams evocatively represent the conflicts of a girl's preadolescence-both internal conflicts and those between her and her parents. This British film is a penetrating psychologic study.
Discussant: George Gallahorn, M.D.
May 26: Sideways. Miles and Jack, friends since college, are now middle aged and and confronted with unfulfilled ambitions. Jack is about to get married, and they decide to take a last fling trip to the wine country of California. Both follow their obsessions - Miles with quaffing wine, and Jack with bedding women. Both are defending against depression and anxiety. Their relationship with each other and the two women they meet on their trip form the basis for this very human comedy noir.
Discussant: Joseph Bierman, M.D.
Further information, including information about ticket puchasing, can be obtained by phoning the Baltimore-Washington Center for Psychoanalysis, 410-792-8060 or 301-470-3706.
Related Links:
The House of Sand and Fog: Website and Trailer
Regarding Henry: Website and Trailer
Sideways: Website and Trailer
Posted by admin at 06:09 PM
November 03, 2005
Apply now for 2006 Outstanding Merit Award
Each year, The Board of the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry reviews submissions from across the state of Maryland for its Award of Outstanding Merit. The award is given to those who advance the Foundation objectives of increasing the public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhancing the quality of care and reducing the stigma of mental illness.
Deadline for submissions for the 2006 award is March 1, 2006.
You may submit nominees using the form here (PDF) (or this form in Word format). Information on the form will tell you where to mail it.
Related Links:
2004 Award of Outstanding Merit winner
Posted by admin at 08:04 PM
September 09, 2005
Apply now for 2006 Outstanding Merit Award
Each year, The Board of the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry reviews submissions from across the state of Maryland for its Award of Outstanding Merit. The award is given to those who advance the Foundation objectives of increasing the public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhancing the quality of care and reducing the stigma of mental illness.
Deadline for submissions for the 2006 award is March 1, 2006.
You may submit nominees using the form here (PDF) (or this form in Word format). Information on the form will tell you where to mail it.
Related Links:
2004 Award of Outstanding Merit winner
Posted by admin at 01:41 PM
June 01, 2005
WINNER — 2005 ESSAY CONTEST: "When Not to Keep A Secret."
The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry and the MedChi Foundation have announced the winner of their 2005 "When Not to Keep a Secret" essay contest. Prince John Wulu, III, a fourteen year-old in the 9th grade at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince Georges County, penned the winning entry. He was recognized at the Maryland Psychiatric Society annual dinner on April 21, and will receive a $100 savings bond.
The contest, initiated and coordinated by the APA Alliance, targets the following areas:
- Stigma: demystifying mental illness, its treatment and prevention.
- Youth violence prevention: creating a primary prevention strategy.
- Mental health literacy: increasing the ability to read, understand and act on health care information.
"When Not to Keep a Secret" challenges an adolescent’s sense of immortality and gives permission to break a confidence, when the confidence is life threatening. In order to write on the topic, students have to confront harsh truths and explore a higher level of ethical behavior.
Wulu’s winning essay is presented below.
WHEN NOT TO KEEP A SECRET
by Prince John Wulu, III 9th Grade
Mrs. Bradford’s English 9 honors class
Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Prince Georges County, Maryland
Nearly 5,000 teenagers commit suicide each year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24. The ratio of male to female suicides is four to one; however, young women attempt suicide four more times frequently. White males have the highest increase in suicide. Reports of suicide clusters, in which one suicide triggers several others within a school or community, have increased. Many suicides could be avoided if people looked closer to try and help the depressed person. Signs that should be looked for in a person likely to commit suicide are, giving away prized possessions, feelings of hopelessness or rejection, low self-esteem, slipping in school performance, withdraws from regular activities with family or Friends Hospital, slipping in school performance, talk of suicide, death, or earlier attempts at suicide Abuse of alcohol or drugs. People that need help should get help from the following places, Mental Health Association, Family physician, Community Mental Health Centers, Family Service Agency, General Hospitals, Self-help Groups, Psychiatric Care Facilities, and Schools and Social Agencies.
I once was in a situation where many people’s lives were at steak because of them teasing or making fun of a person with a low self-esteem. It was where I used to live, in Detroit, Michigan. At the middle school I went to in sixth grade, there was a boy that everyone used to tease because he was obese. No one took him seriously. But one day while we were in math class, he made a threat to all of the students who had teased him; He said that next week they would all fell pain. He said that while he was sitting with a small group of his friends behind me. I over herd it and when I got home I told my mother. I didn’t think that it was that serious but my mother did, so she went to the school that following Monday, and told the principle. The principle called the police. When they got to the school, they had bomb sniffing dogs and about six police officers at the school. The police officers searched the boy’s locker, and found a list of fourteen students on it, and their addresses. The police also found a 9 millimeter Baretta with two full clips of ammo in his book bag. The last time I saw the boy, he was being taken away in a police care somewhere. Because I told my mother about the incident, I may have saved mine, and probably 15 or more lives.
Some people are in the same situation that I was in now. They want to keep their friends secret confidential, but they know that lives could be loss if they do. If you are ever in a situation like that, you should take it seriously, and try and get them help immediately.
Posted by admin at 11:16 AM
February 02, 2005
Psychoanalysts to Discuss Four Films
The 23rd annual film/discussion series sponsored by the Baltimore-Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis will be held at the Baltimore Museum of Art in April, 2005. The films will explore the experience of separation and loss. Films are selected which are psychologically perceptive and lend themselves to illuminating psychoanalytic concepts. The discussions are directed at interested community people as well as mental health professionals.
The opening film (April 1) will be In America, discussed by Allan Gold, M.D. The director, James Sheridan, has created an autobiographic story of an Irish family who come to America as illegal aliens after the death of a young son from brain cancer. They settle in the lower depths of Hell’s Kitchen, and use the struggle to survive to avoid mourning. However the denial ultimately breaks down as the film progresses.
Together (April 8) is a Chinese film directed by Kaige Chen who did Farewell My Concubine. Leon Levin, M.D. is the discussant. A 13 year old violin prodigy is taken by his peasant father to Beijing to compete in music at a world class level. He is both a virtuoso and an early adolescent with ordinary confusion and emotional conflicts of boys his age. Issues of separation and rebellion are depicted. The actor who plays the prodigy is in fact a violin prodigy and he creates a superb sound tract.
Finding Nemo (April 15) is the first animated film discussed in this series. This is a visually compelling and witty under-the-sea story of an anxious and overprotective father searching for his lost boy. He travels “under the surface” as he confronts his fears, feelings, and symptoms in a journey that parallels the therapeutic process. Noreen Honeycutt, PhD, is the discussant.
The last film, Lost in Translation, will be discussed on April 22 by Paul Roberts, M.D. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film is the tale of an over-the hill actor (played by Bill Murray) and a young married Yale graduate (played by Scarlett Johannson) who meet in a Tokyo hotel. Both are searching for the meaning of their lives, looking at the situation from different points of view. They are both excited and disoriented by being in a foreign culture.
For further information call the Baltimore-Washington Institute at 401-792-8060 or 301-470-3635.
Related links:
Baltimore-Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis
In America Official Site
Together Official Site
Finding Nemo Official Site
Lost In Translation Official Site
Posted by admin at 11:25 AM
September 10, 2004
The Building of a Sanctuary Receives Media Award
The American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) has given a Certificate of Commendation to the documentary film The Building of a Sanctuary. Executive Producer and Foundation member Carol Allen will travel to St.Louis, MO to accept the award.
The AASLH Awards Program not only honors significant achievement in the field of local history, but also brings public recognition to small and large organizations, institutions, and programs that contribute to this arena. By publicly recognizing excellent achievements, the Association strives to inspire others.
Made by Historic Towson, Inc., the film is about the last built and best designed of the early private psychiatric hospitals in the United States, The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital. Its founders drew on lessons learned from other institutions and from Europe to provide moral treatment in a homelike setting and to turn 400-acres into an intimate campus of Victorian buildings with beautifully landscaped grounds.
Related Links:
American Association of State and Local History
Certificate of Commendation Listing at AASLH website
Historic Towson, Inc.'s Building of a Sanctuary page
Posted by admin at 11:32 AM
Submissions for Outstanding Merit Award Being Accepted
Each year, The Board of the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry reviews submissions from across the state of Maryland for its Award of Outstanding Merit. The award is given to those who advance the Foundation objectives of increasing the public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhancing the quality of care and reducing the stigma of mental illness.
Deadline for submissions for the 2005 award is March 1, 2005.
You may submit nominees using the form here (PDF) (or this form in Word format). Information on the form will tell you where to mail it.
Related Links:
2004 Award of Outstanding Merit winner
Posted by admin at 11:29 AM
June 06, 2004
Foundation Names Outstanding Merit Award Winner
The Board of the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry reviewed the work of four applicants and found them all to be outstanding. It was a very difficult choice. Finally, however, the Western Maryland Office of Consumer Advocacy (OCA) nominated by the Mental Health Center in Hagerstown, MD was the choice to receive this year’s award.
The OCA is a private, non-profit private non profit organization. The Foundation was particularly impressed with the fact that the OCA is staffed by volunteers, comprising a network throughout Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties. Many of these volunteers have utilized mental health services in the past. The OCA actively advocates for resources and for resources for specific patients.
The Foundation's Award for Outstanding Merit is given to those who advance the Foundation objectives of increasing the public awareness and understanding of mental illness, enhancing the quality of care and reducing the stigma of mental illness. OCA received the award from Foundation President Dr. Jonas Rappeport at the MPS Annual meeting on May 13th, 2004.
Posted by admin at 11:35 AM
May 09, 2003
Premiere of Documentary: The Building of a Sanctuary
Please join us for the documentary premiere of The Building of a Sanctuary on June 2, 2003 at the Conference Center at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $25 and include a dessert reception following the film. Reservations are suggested. Please call 410-832-1776 for more information.
The Building of a Sanctuary, depicts how place — landscape and architecture — can support and enhance the psychiatric principles of moral treatment and contribute to the alleviation of mental health suffering. Permeated with a strong message on the importance of the natural and built environment, the film will highlight the historical contributions of the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, where the original landscaping and architecture was deliberately created to promote a compassionate philosophy of care.
In 1891, the design, construction and opening of the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital heralded an unprecedented collaboration between a physician (D. Tilden Brown) and architect (Calvert Vaux), which has served as a model in health care for over a hundred years. Featured in the film are interviews with former patients, architects, historians, art historians, and other hospital staff.
Posted by admin at 11:45 AM
WINNER — 2003 ESSAY CONTEST: When Not to Keep A Secret
We proudly present the winning entry in the "When Not to Keep A Secret" essay contest co-sponsored by the Maryland Med-Chi (the state medical society of Maryland) and the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry. We thank everyone for their entries!
Kiran Bhat also placed 3rd in the national essay contest sponsored by the American Psychiatric Association Alliance! Congratulations!<
WHEN NOT TO KEEP A SECRET
by Kiran Bhat
Grade 9
Montgomery Blair High School
Silver Spring, Maryland
Across America, violence is destroying the lives of teenagers, and tearing up close knit communities. In many of these instances, the reason the violence was not stopped is because a close friend of a participant decided to keep a secret that allowed violence to happen. When a friend confides that he or she is depressed, abused, or bullied, or if someone could get hurt from a secret, what is the use in not seeking help? It will only result in hurt one or more people. Instead of fostering violence by sitting idle, communities can help. By creating more places where children can come to confidentially talk about their problems, communities can help stop this epidemic. There are many situations in which a secret should not be kept, and ways for communities to help kids reveal their harmful secrets, and get on with life.
When I was thirteen, I had a friend who was very troubled. He was swamped with work, he had what he called “girl problems”, he was failing classes, and his parents were very hard on him. One day, he confided in me that he was in a deep depression, and that he was thinking about suicide. He also told me that if I were to tell anyone about this, he would never forgive me. I couldn’t just watch one of my best friends suffer and try to kill himself, so I decided to take action.
This teen, who I’ll call Ricky (not his real name), had many would consider a good life. He lived in a good neighborhood, had a good family, and was in a gifted and talented program. The pressure that it put on me was unbelievable. The previous night, I had considered the pros and cons of revealing his secret, and overwhelmingly decided to tell his mother. Ricky’s mom used to pick me up after school, and drive me home, as I lived very close to him. The day after he told me his secret, I could wait no longer. When Ricky was in the car, and his mom was outside, I approached his mother, and told her the entire story. She was shocked, and immediately drove Ricky to the crisis center. Ricky eventually got over his problems. Contrary to what he had said earlier about never forgiving me, Ricky was eternally grateful. His mother showered me with compliments and Ricky even once said, “you saved my life.” I can honestly say that my decision was the best it could possibly be.
Ever since the shootings in Columbine High School, and a rash of student suicides, America has been searching for ways to set up counseling for troubled teens. Schools use different techniques, but most of the time, they expect disturbed students to go to a counselor for help. Nine out of ten times, a child will not go to a counselor with their problems, but to a friend. The friend is told specifically to “keep the secret” and more often than not, they do, which leads to tragic consequences. For every school shooting that we hear in the news, there is usually at least one person who had known about it beforehand, and decided not to tell anyone. However, school shootings are not the only tragedies that occur. Suicide, exploitation, gang violence, and bullying are also problems that are kept under wraps. It is about time that the violence stopped.
For years, people and groups have been searching for ways to help distressed teens. The modern solution is to set up “safe houses” where teens can talk about their problems to trained professionals. However, I believe that centers should be set up in which friends of teens can come and confidentially talk about their friends’ problems. Hotlines along the same guidelines should be set up so those teens can talk about what their friends are going through without losing the friend for it. One of the main motivations for kids to keep harmful secrets that their friends have told them is that they are afraid that they will loose the friend. If confidentiality is a factor, then teens will be more likely to give up secrets about their friends. It is time that we put an end to teenage violence across the nation, and this is the way to do it.
Posted by admin at 11:40 AM