From Russia With Questions: A Thought-Provoking Meeting
I heard talk around the office that “the Russians are coming,” but had no idea I would get to share my story with them
A group of Russian civil rights lawyers (including representatives of Russia’s Committee Against Torture) from the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program came to Community Access headquarters to learn more about Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) – a big advocacy initiative here at CA.
They met with Steve Coe, CA’s CEO, Carla Rabinowitz, who heads our Advocacy department, and Maureen Friar, CA’s Strategic Development Officer. And we were all joined by a couple of Russian speaking CA staff members, Anzhela Timush and Janet Timush.
Ten years ago I wouldn’t have known about CITs. But eight years ago, when I first experienced psychosis, I would certainly have benefited from the use of one. Why? Because CIT programs train police officers to respond more effectively to individuals in emotional distress – while offering community drop-off centers as an alternative to jail.
I have firsthand experience of being confronted by the police while experiencing psychosis. I know all too well how the control and command model that police employ nationwide is entirely ineffective for someone who’s in a psychotic and delusional state.
After listening to Steve and Carla’s presentation about how CITs work, our visitors asked pointed and insightful follow-up questions. Like, how many people are on a CIT, and what powers do they have? Later we asked them questions, too, about the purpose of their visit to the US.
What really struck a chord with me is just how universal these issues are. Here were people who traveled all the way from Russia asking the same questions that we face here in the US. How do you treat vulnerable citizens in a humane, respectful, and ethical way? Clearly, the need for better relations between the police and the mental health community is not isolated to NYC.
How many people out there, I wonder, have had traumatizing encounters with the police, but, due to stigma, are too ashamed to say so?
As for me, is it through some kind of divine intervention that I wound up working for Community Access? For sure, I often think about how fortunate I am to work for a nonprofit that deals with issues affecting millions of underserved, disenfranchised, often unemployed individuals – and which aims to give people a second chance.
I hope we gave our Russian visitors a lot to think about.
Did you know?
Lorraine was featured in a previous issue of C magazine... check it out!
- C Magazine #4 (2013)
- Meet peer respite worker Lorraine Maynard + see our new crisis respite center
- See how we're rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Sandy
- ...And more!
