“Much Lower Life Expectancy in the Mentally Ill”

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This article found on Medscape Today dated December 6, 2011 talks about research indicating that folks with mental illness are not living as long as folks without mental illnesses.  the research was done in Sweden, Norway and Finland, but is something that is being seen in the United States as well.

“Dr. Mark Salerno Is Living Proof That It’s Possible to Overcome Mental Illness”

 

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This article found on the Phoenix News website on December 22, 2011, isn’t specific to Pennsylvania, but it is a story of recovery from mental illness by Dr. Mark Salerno, and some events of his story did take place in Pennsylvania, so there is a slight connection to here, but I mostly felt it was a really good article conveying hope, and offering encouragement.  Recovery doesn’t have an ending, but is a continuous journey this man’s journey is one that demonstrates that mental illness knows no boundaries when it comes to education or profession, but also demonstrates it is possible to reach beyond the struggles and be more than a diagnosis.

“Pa.’s drop in Medicaid rolls stirs controversy”

 

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This article found on Philly.com dated December 15, 2011 talks about the controversy over Governor Tom Corbett’s cuts to Medicaid here in Pennsylvania.

“Proposed Bethlehem Township center would treat up to eight with mental illness”

 

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This article dated December 1, 2011, on Lehigh Valley‘s, The Morning Call, discusses a facility being proposed in Bethlehem Township to house and treat up to 8 folks with serious mental illnesses.  The facility has been proposed by NHS Pennsylvania.

To those who celebrate ….

I would like wish everyone Happy Holiday!  May the spirit of hope be one that continues with each and every one of you and your families throughout the coming year.

To those who are traveling, I hope you have a safe journey to where ever it is you are going.

“Pa. set to jettison “R” word”

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This article found on Philly.com is dated December 16, 2011, and talks about legislation that will remove the word “retarded” and replace it with “intellectually disabled”

“5 Gift Giving Guidelines”

Image by tomylees via Flickr

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This article was found on the Esperanza website posted December 9, 2011, and discusses five simple questions to make gift giving more positive and less stressful.

“Mental Illness in the Deaf Community”

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This article discusses some of the obstacles faced by people in the Deaf Community with regards to not only seeking help for mental illness, but also in receiving treatment for it.

Donated Christmas greens save hospital’s holiday

Donated Christmas greens save hospital’s holiday.

This is a neat article about the community response to the loss of Christmas decorations at Wernersville State Hospital due to the flooding from Tropical storm Lee that prompted the evacuation of the residents and staff at Wernersville State Hospital last September.

I would like to thank those who helped Wernersville State Hospital brighten things up for the residents there, but also would like to thank the countless people across Pennsylvania who selflessly donate their time and energy to help folks who happen to be less fortunate then them.  Many do this and will sacrifice time they could be spending with their own families so that they can help others.   Hats off to the many volunteers across Pennsylvania, you have my respect.

“Tax Dollars At War”

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This video gives a crash course in where federal funding goes each year.