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
A Global Call to Action: pay attention to what is happening in Trieste right now. A conversation with Dr. Roberto Mezzina
In May 2021, five former directors of the regional mental health departments in Friuli Venezia Giulia issued a letter to sound the alarm that “the Trieste mental health model is under threat.” That letter was translated into multiple languages, and started the chain of events that are unfolding with respect to raising awareness and voices to advocate for protection of a system that inspires the world.
Dr. Roberto Mezzina, who headed the Dipartimento di Salute Mentale (DSM) in Trieste until his retirement in late 2019, helps us to make sense of these fast moving events in the region. In less than two months, much has been accomplished – the “sleeping giant” of global support for this model is waking up. From petitions in multiple languages, to media attention, to the rallying of services users and their families, actions taken to weaken or dismantle this system will not occur without the whole world watching.
Dr. Mezzina provides some historical context about Law 180 – “Basaglia’s Law” – and its evolution in Italy. He also describes the current changes in the political climate that impacts the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where Trieste is located. He encourages us to pay attention and to sign the petition. Thought it is a simple gesture – it matters – and most appreciated are the supportive comments that you can offer which help to keep them motivated in their advocacy.
Here are some recent articles for context:
6.22.21 Article in The Independent
6.21.21 Article in British Medical Journal
6.15.21 Editorial in Domani (article is easily translated online)
Italian: Basaglia è il fantasma di Trieste, ma non la sua realtà (editorialedomani.it) (Basaglia is the ghost of Trieste, but not its reality)
6.11.21 Article in Il Manifesto (article is easily translated online)
Italian: Trieste, il concorso che tradisce Basaglia | il manifesto (Trieste, the contest that betrays Basaglia)
Here is a link to the petition: Petition · International Mental Health Collaborating Network: SAVE TRIESTE'S MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM · Change.org
Here is a link to my blog: We are all Friends of Trieste: Your help needed to save mental health system [Update as of 6.22.21] – Accoglienza: lessons for America
Guest: Dr. Roberto Mezzina, International School Franca and Franco Basaglia: Vice Chair European Federation for Mental Health; former director of the WHO Collaborating Centre, DSM, Trieste Italy.