A Dedicated but Neglected Workforce: A Clarion Call for Change

The social service agencies on which vulnerable New Yorkers depend rely heavily on the state government for financial support inasmuch as they act as extensions of it in fulfilling many responsibilities that would otherwise be borne by the public sector. Nevertheless, the period following the Great Recession (i.e., 2011 to …

Marijuana and the Movement Toward Legalization

I was fully in favor of the legalization of marijuana for recreational use…until recently.  This might come as a surprise to some.  For the past 25 years, I’ve worked in the behavioral healthcare field and witnessed the adverse effects of various substances (both legal and illicit) on vulnerable individuals.  Why …

Our very own Healthcare Hero!

Our very own Susan Salomone has been recognized as a “Healthcare Hero” by Westchester Magazine! I cannot think of a more deserving candidate.  For the past several years, Susan and her husband Steve have been the driving force behind Drug Crisis In Our Backyard.  Their organization has played a pivotal …

A Word About the Words We Use

The behavioral health field has become more sensitive to the impact our language has on vulnerable persons.  This promising, but still relatively recent, development reveals our emerging awareness certain words, phrases and labels betray pejorative beliefs and perpetuate stigma.  They also shape and reinforce the identities of those to whom …

Bring It Home

Better Funding For Better Care! Ashley Brody, CEO of Search for Change, joined fellow ACL members in urging our Legislators’ support for the “Bring It Home” Campaign.  Supportive housing is a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens, and yet it remains grossly underfunded.  We need your support! Assemblyman Pretlow and …