News Roundup: Chief Combats Police Suicides; Death of Singer; Mary Giliberti Joins MHA; Clubhouse For D.C.

(9-16-19) Lots happening in mental health.

FAIRFAX POLICE CHIEF ED ROESSLER’S CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT LAW ENFORCEMENT SUICIDES

Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Chief Ed Roessler has become a national spokesman in speaking out about troubling suicide rates in law enforcement. For the past three years, more officers have taken their own lives than have died in the line of duty. The much respected chief has spoken publicly about his own struggles with mental health issues caused by decades of policing. Thank you Chief Roessler for your continued courage and advocacy! Please read the full story at the end of my blog today.

DANIEL JOHNSON DIES : SINGER, SONGWRITER, STRUGGLED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

My son, Kevin, introduced me to Johnson years ago, prompting me to write about his poignant songs. He has died at age 58 reportedly from a heart attack. His jarring voice might take you a while to get used to, but it’s his haunting words and personal story that will linger.

FORMER NAMI CEO JOINS MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA

Mary Giliberti, who resigned in April as CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has joined Mental Health America as its executive vice president for policy.  MHA is the second largest grass roots mental health organization after NAMI. While NAMI was founded by parents, MHA’s traces its roots further back (1909) to Clifford Beers, who called for reforms after spending three years in a mental hospital. Although both organizations have expanded their missions recently, traditionally MHA presented a consumer or persons with lived experience’ perspective while NAMI offered a more parental view.

WASHINGTON DC GETS MUCH NEEDED CLUBHOUSE

I’m so excited that the nation’s capital is opening a clubhouse patterned after the gold standard Fountain House model in New York. Maria Nunez and her team at Capital Clubhouse have worked tirelessly to raise funds and will be hosting a benefit Oct. 23rd with Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III  (D. Mass.) speaking. Clubhouses are the absolutely best way for individuals with mental illnesses to participate in their own recoveries. Most importantly, they provide social connectivity. The District has badly needed this important resource!

How this police department is fighting for its officers’ mental health after suicides

FAIRFAX, Va. — One night in 2006, rain fell as Lt. Ed Rediske slumped in a chair in his backyard, a gun balanced on his knees. It was easier for him to imagine ending his life than it was to ask for help.
About the author:

Pete Earley is the bestselling author of such books as The Hot House and Crazy. When he is not spending time with his family, he tours the globe advocating for mental health reform.

Learn more about Pete.