NYAPRS Note: We are excited to have the Director of SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery, Paolo del Vecchio, present at our 41st Annual Conference next week. Paolo has been involved in mental health for over 40 years as a recipient of services, provider, family member, advocate, and policy maker. As the Director of the Office of Recovery, Mr. del Vecchio is charged with advancing recovery throughout the nation, including expanding recovery support services such as peer support, housing, and employment. We are especially proud to present Paolo with NYAPRS’ Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the field of recovery over the last 40 years! We will be presenting the award to him at our conference on Wednesday September 27th. Read below to learn about Paolo and the Office of Recovery’s recent report, Recovery from Substance Use and Mental Health Problems Among Adults in the United States, which details factors associated with recovery for the millions of individuals currently in recovery in the US. You can also see a full list of the NYAPRS Awards recipients and when they will receive their respective awards.
National Study Shows Mental Health Recovery Can Thrive with Access to Services
By Brent Weber | 6 News WOWT | September 20, 2023
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – One in 20 adults in the U.S. experiences serious mental illness each year, and that includes 62,000 Nebraskans according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
But a national study released Wednesday shows some of what’s being done across the country in the fight against mental illness is helping.
“We know this journey of recovery takes a lot of courage,” SAMHSA director of the office of recovery Paolo del Vecchio said. “But if people are able to have access to care, they have support around them like family… as well as access to treatment, and spirituality… all those factors help to contribute to people overcoming these issues and recovering.”
The U.S. government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a comprehensive report, Recovery from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Problems in Adults. What it shows is success, when communities are given the tools needed.
“What this data shows is over 70% of Americans who have a substance use or mental health problem go on and recover. and that’s over 50 million Americans,” del Vecchio said. “So what this says really is people are able, with treatments and support, able to overcome these issues and live full and happy lives in their communities.”
At a time when the mental health stigma seems to be lessening, the report shows a more encouraging path to recovery.
“One of the things, myths, the stigma associated with these conditions is that these are conditions that you’re not able, in fact, to get well from,” del Vecchio said. “And what this data shows is the exact opposite, that significant majority of individuals are able to find that hope in healing and be able to live a recovery lives.”
He credits young adults with helping to break down some of the barriers to mental health recovery.
“What we’re seeing across many schools, in fact, across the nation are young people speaking up themselves and trying to promote understanding and awareness, about resources, like the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are three digits.”
NAMI says more than one million Nebraskans live in communities that do not have enough mental health professionals, but del Vecchio says the SAMHSA report underscores there are many successful pathways to mental health recovery.
“What this data again really reveals, (is) that first of all, resetting the mindset that people can recover,” del Vecchio said. “We can build the kind of social supports, the family supports, faith communities… and make sure people have access to quality and affordable health and behavioral health.”
National study shows mental health recovery can thrive with access to services (ampproject.org)
NYAPRS 2023 Award Winners
Tuesday September 26 from 2:45-3:30 pm
Brendan Nugent Leadership Award
The Brendan Nugent Leadership Award is presented to an inspiring leader for their exemplary efforts in promoting and advancing the empowerment of their peers in New York State.
Presented to Doug Hovey, CEO, Independent Living, Newburgh, NY
Celia Brown Justice for All Champion Award
The Celia Brown Justice for All Champion Awards is presented in heartfelt recognition of your inspiring contributions to advancing social justice, compassion, and recovery for people with mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges.
Presented to Dr. Chyrell Bellamy, Director, Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health
Frances Olivero Advocacy Award
The Frances Olivero Advocacy Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated inspiring community leadership and advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Veronica Weider, former Director, Creative Wellness Opportunities at the MHA of Rochester
Frances Olivero Advocacy Award
The Frances Olivero Advocacy Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated inspiring community leadership and advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Beverly Carthens, Director of Peer Services, H+H Kings County Hospital, NYC, NY
Marty Smith Memorial Award
The Marty Smith Memorial Award is presented to an inspired and innovative individual or organization that has made exemplary contributions to the advancement of best practices in service to New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Doug Meyer, Director of Programs, Mental Health Association of Essex County, Westport, NY
Marty Smith Memorial Award
The Marty Smith Memorial Award is presented to an inspired and innovative individual or organization that has made exemplary contributions to the advancement of best practices in service to New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Steve Miccio, CEO, People USA, Poughkeepsie, NY
Kirsten Vincent Leadership Award
The Kirsten Vincent Leadership Award is presented to a NYAPRS Board Member who has made inspiring and exemplary contributions to advancing the recovery, rights, and dignity of New Yorkers with mental health, substance use and trauma-related challenges.
Presented to Helen “Skip” Skipper, NYAPRS NYC Regional Coordinator; Founder, NYC Justice Peer Initiative
Public Education Award
The Public Education Award is presented to an individual whose reporting has informed policy makers and the public about the policy priorities and accomplishments of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Maya Kaufman, NY Health Care Reporter, Politico, Albany, NY
Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has a long record of exemplary contributions to the recovery, rehabilitation, and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Kathy Lynch, former Recipient Affairs Specialist for Western NY
Wednesday September 27, from 2:00-2:45 pm
Brendan Nugent Leadership Award
The Brendan Nugent Leadership Award is presented to an inspiring leader for their exemplary efforts in promoting and advancing the empowerment of their peers in New York State.
Presented to Dr. Jonathan P. Edwards, Program Consultant for New York City Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care, and Treatment, NYC, NY
Brendan Nugent Leadership Award
The Brendan Nugent Leadership Award is presented to an inspiring leader for their exemplary efforts in promoting and advancing the empowerment of their peers in New York State.
Presented to Gita Enders, Director of Peer Services, NYC Health + Hospitals, NYC, NY
Celia Brown Justice for All Champion Award
The Celia Brown Justice for All Champion Awards is presented in heartfelt recognition of your inspiring contributions to advancing social justice, compassion, and recovery for people with mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges.
Presented to Chacku Mathai, Project Director, Center for Practice Innovations
Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has a long record of exemplary contributions to the recovery, rehabilitation, and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice; former Director of Legal Policy and Advocacy, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has a long record of exemplary contributions to the recovery, rehabilitation, and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Laura Van Tosh, Global Mental Health Peer Network
Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has a long record of exemplary contributions to the recovery, rehabilitation, and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Robert Myers, retired Senior Deputy Commissioner, Division of Community Program Management and Managed Care, NYS Office of Mental Health
Sally Zinman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has a long record of exemplary contributions to the recovery, rehabilitation, and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to Paolo del Vecchio, Director, SAMHSA Office of Recovery
Public Policy Leadership Award
The Public Policy Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding public leadership in advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
Presented to David Wollner, former OMH, DOH and Senate health and policy expert