A short but relevant history lesson

Abstract

I recently had the opportunity to learn more about the National Mental Health Association — now called Mental Health America — which caused me to reflect on the progress we have made in the United States regarding the treatment of the mentally ill. The occasion was the 100th anniversary of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (an affiliate of Mental Health America), where I was the recipient of The Bell Award. While I was honored to be the recipient, I didn't really know much about the Mental Health Association or this particular award. By the end of the evening, I was much more knowledgeable and somewhat wiser about a lot of history and where we fit into the evolution of mental treatment at this important juncture.