On Wednesday, June 7, 2006 until Saturday, June 10, 2006, inclusive, I and my friend, and fellow consumer, Jeff Shair, had the privilege of being delegates for the “Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania” (MHASP) at the “National Mental Health Association” (NMHA) Conference in Washington D.C.
After having lunch at 30th Street Station, Jeff and I traveled via Amtrak to Washington D.C. Our train left 30th Street Station, at approximately 2:15pm. We arrived in Washington D.C. two hours later.
We left from Union Station in Washington D.C. via Taxi Cab, to our hotel, the Holiday Inn, in Alexandria, VA. Not realizing how much it would cost taking a Taxi Cab, $48.00, Jeff and I were a little disconcerted. After checking into our room, at the Holiday Inn, Jeff and I traveled via the Metro System to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington DC., where the conference was being held.
It took Jeff and I a while to get adjusted to the Metro System but after a couple of days, it was smooth sailing.
What I will always remember are the good times I had with Jeff. Our friendship grew stronger. Jeff is a true Christian and dedicated person.
The first evening, June 7, 2006, Jeff and I met with other consumer scholarship recipients, where we had pizza and chit chatted.
Day one, at the Hyatt, Jeff and I had breakfast, which was free for everyone at the conference. All of the meals were simply delicious. Afterwards, we listened to, former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, who is a very compassionate and eloquent speaker. She talked about her movement in mental health, 35 years! Some of the things she highlighted were consumers coming together as one ---and to standing up as one, for mental health recovery. She went on to say how there are more than six million people in prison not getting any services from mental health hospitals or recovery programs. Mrs. Carter summed it up by talking about consumers reaching their potential.
Next, we listened to Senator Patrick Kennedy as he thanked First Lady Carter for her dedication and commitment to mental health. Senator Kennedy spoke about how the government is spending enormous amounts of money on building institutions rather than helping people in “recovery”. Senator Kennedy said how most insurance companies did not acknowledge mental health. He spoke about the rate of suicide in people with mental illness. Finally, Senator Kennedy said, that people who work in mental health need proper training and added that the federal-funds for mental health should be restored.
Next, “The Bell” rang and Jeff and I --and about ten other people were off to the Capital Building. Jeff and I met many prestigious people. We had the opportunity to talk to Pennsylvania’s Senator Rick Santorum, on a one- to-one basis. Afterwards Senator Santorum thanked us.
One day two and three, there were workshops where we met and listened to many inspirational speakers.
Finally, on day three Jeff and I attended workshops until about 5:00pm.
Jeff and I took a taxi from the Hyatt to Union Station, where we had a fast food dinner. At approximately 7:00 pm., we boarded Amtrak and headed home back to Philadelphia, PA.
Posted by Richard L. Askew III
