JonSherin

“Mental Illness,” in my opinion, will someday be understood, viewed, and accepted as a challenge of the human condition just like any “physical illness.” To that end I see our fundamental responsibility as one in which we look to optimize mental health. It is only by optimizing mental health (as we do openly our physical health) that we will fully flourish as individuals, families, and communities.

There is debate about the differences between “pure” mental illness and “pure” substance addiction…in either case individuals are suffering tremendously and these two different diagnoses tend to co-occur in many cases. Through efforts to integrate care both within the department and between departments we aim to provide integrated services to individuals with integrated problems.

Access issues are primary concerns both at the Dept. MH and across health and human services. We aim to address these concerns through efforts to minimize stigma, increase knowledge about available services, streamline processes of navigation and improve customer service at the personal level. One of the key means for succeeding in these efforts is to expand the role of peers in our department to engage and provide “concierge-like” assistance to those having trouble accessing care.

There is a significant number of people on Skid Row who are homeless and have serious mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. While a significant number of them are unwilling to accept help, surely there is a number of them who don’t know how to get help. It is our intention to engage both groups to get them the help they need.

I surf in the morning, I surf in the evening, and sometimes I just run or bike on the beach. These are my forms of meditation.