Heart Forward Conversations from the Heart
The American mental health system is broken beyond repair. Rather than trying to tweak a system which fails everyone, it is time to commit to a bold vision for a better way forward. This podcast explores the American system against the plumb line of an international best practice, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Trieste, Italy. The 40-year old Trieste model demonstrates how a community-based treatment system upholds the human rights of the people served. The Trieste story is anti-institutional and models the therapeutic value of social connection. Topics will address contemporary challenges in the American failed mental health system as contrasted with the Italian approach toward accoglienza – or radical hospitality – as the underpinning of their remarkable culture of caring for people. Interviews will touch upon how the guiding principles of the Italian system – social recovery, whole person care, system accountability, and the human right to a purposeful life – are non-negotiable aspects if we are to have any hope of forging a new way forward in our American mental health system. This podcast is curated and hosted by Kerry Morrison, founder and project director of Heart Forward LA (https://www.heartforwardla.org/). Heart Forward is collaborating with Aaron Stern at Verdugo Sound as the technical partner in producing this podcast (https://www.verdugosound.com). Kerry Morrison is also the author of the blog www.accoglienza.us.
Heart Forward Conversations from the Heart
Season Four Trailer
Wow - it's been 10 months since we uploaded the final episode of Season Three!
This podcast is a labor of love -- and is not something that is casually produced on the fly. So, the time is right to jump back in and resume these interviews! We are excited to provide a platform for some compelling guests and stories in the coming months.
The theme remains the same: The American mental health system is broken and voices for change and examples of innovation and stories of hope are featured. We continue to be inspired by the global best practice in Trieste, Italy.
Topics on the docket this season: the human cost of losing our inventory of precious board and care beds in the state; a glimpse into occupational therapy and how it dovetails with radical hospitality; how a cookie business from the 1980's was ahead of its time as a social enterprise; why the clubhouse can be a place of recovery and transformation; how radical hospitality has taken root on one floor in L.A. County Jail and more.
Your support of this podccast is welcome; there are no ads or sponsors and we rely on the support of donors and our listeners. You can donate here.
This podcast is produced by Heart Forward LA with technical support provided by Verdugo Sound in Glassell Park.