Heart Forward Conversations from the Heart
The American mental health system is broken beyond repair. Rather than trying to tweak a system which fails everyone, it is time to commit to a bold vision for a better way forward. This podcast explores the American system against the plumb line of an international best practice, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Trieste, Italy. The 40-year old Trieste model demonstrates how a community-based treatment system upholds the human rights of the people served. The Trieste story is anti-institutional and models the therapeutic value of social connection. Topics will address contemporary challenges in the American failed mental health system as contrasted with the Italian approach toward accoglienza – or radical hospitality – as the underpinning of their remarkable culture of caring for people. Interviews will touch upon how the guiding principles of the Italian system – social recovery, whole person care, system accountability, and the human right to a purposeful life – are non-negotiable aspects if we are to have any hope of forging a new way forward in our American mental health system. This podcast is curated and hosted by Kerry Morrison, founder and project director of Heart Forward LA (https://www.heartforwardla.org/). Heart Forward is collaborating with Aaron Stern at Verdugo Sound as the technical partner in producing this podcast (https://www.verdugosound.com). Kerry Morrison is also the author of the blog www.accoglienza.us.
Heart Forward Conversations from the Heart
Fountain House and the Promise of the Clubhouse Movement as a Place of Hospitality and Purpose: A conversation with Dr. Ashwin Vasan
Far too often in American communities, people living with mental illness are marginalized from community supports and experience the debilitating impacts of social isolation, loneliness and even the downward spiral into homelessness or incarceration. Imagine the countervailing impact of a welcoming place to go – where everyone knows your name – as the theme from “Cheers” reminded us. This is Fountain House and in this episode, we will hear about how the clubhouse movement offers an alternative; the promise of the therapeutic benefits of social connection and the dignity of vocation and purpose for people living with mental illness in our communities.
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, M.D., Ph.D., is the President and CEO of Fountain House in New York. An expert in public health policy and political and social advocacy, as well as a primary care physician and academic, Dr. Vasan is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people. He was hired in September 2019 to lead the advancement of Fountain House’s work around mental illness, homelessness, criminal justice, healthcare, and social welfare for marginalized people and communities.
Fountain House in New York City was the first clubhouse established in this country back in 1948. As stated in their mission: Fountain House is dedicated to the recovery of men and women with mental illness by providing opportunities for our members to live, work, and learn, while contributing their talents through a community of mutual support.
Heart Forward LA is partnering with Fountain House to imagine the possibilities of bringing the clubhouse movement to Los Angeles. It is no coincidence that several decades ago, Fountain House also inspired people in Trieste as they were imagining how to plant the ethos of the clubhouse culture throughout their entire city.