by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 14, 2018 | In The Media
Dear Gov. Cuomo,
This week, in the aftermath of the deaths by suicide of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain you issued a press release about new funding to address the rising rate of suicide.
You stated: “Two high-profile suicides this week put mental illness front and center, but while those names were the ones in the press, every day there are thousands of New Yorkers who struggle with suicidal thoughts, and we must do everything we can to support them.
Depression does not discriminate. It affects every part of society and people from all walks of life.”
I applaud you for bringing light to this matter. You stated, “depression does not discriminate.”
May I remind you of those health insurers that do not comply with federal parity law; denying timely access to care, do discriminate?
When New York state government does not enforce this law, they aid and abet discrimination against the “thousands of New Yorkers,” who you referred to, “who struggle with suicidal thoughts”.
The difficulty people have accessing mental health and addiction care is not simply a matter of stigma. It is a matter of discrimination. This is a civil rights issue that an announcement of new funding will not solve.
On Dec. 15, 2017, North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center held a press conference at its headquarters in Roslyn Heights and issued the results of a research study – Project Access that we conducted in collaboration with LIU Post Department of Social Work.
In this year-long study, hundreds of Long Islanders were surveyed about their experiences attempting to obtain help for mental health and addiction problems.
Of the 650 Long Islanders who took part in the survey, almost half said that it was more difficult finding help for mental health or substance abuse problems than finding help for physical illnesses, nearly 40 percent said that their insurance company did not have an adequate number of providers and two-thirds said that their insurance company was not helpful to them in finding a suitable provider for themselves or a loved one.
State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who attended the Dec. 15 press conference, stated that the findings were “Damning.”
In a bipartisan effort, Kaminsky and state Sen. Elaine Phillips wrote to the Department of Financial Services on Jan. 9, 2018 citing the Project Access study and requesting “a thorough investigation to determine why insurance companies are not being held accountable for network adequacy.”
As you know, network adequacy is the part of the federal parity law that states that health insurers who cover mental health and addiction care must have an adequate number of providers in their network.
Many more people wrote directly to you Mr. Governor, requesting the same.
Almost five months later Scott Fischer, executive deputy superintendent for Insurance, a division of DFS, responded in writing to the senators.
Fischer wrote: “DFS’s review of the various networks has confirmed that each of the insurance companies in Long Island exceeds the standards for mental health and substance use providers, for the purpose of the commercial products sold outside of NYSOH.”
Translation: There is no problem. There is nothing more to do.
This does not square with the results of Project Access.
Health insurers and government ignoring federal parity law is discrimination. When it comes to suicide prevention: access delayed, is access denied.
Governor, discrimination deserves a place alongside stigma when the conversation turns to access to care. This is a matter of civil rights.
Long after the tragic deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain fade from the front pages, the lack of compliance and enforcement of federal parity law will persist and the thousands of people you spoke of in your press release will still be unable to access care.
Andrew Malekoff
![Birth Justice Warriors Fight Inequality]()
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 14, 2018 | Press Releases
Grant will help educate community about racial disparities in birth outcomes
Roslyn Heights, NY, June 14, 2018 —North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, is pleased to announced that we received a $2,800 grant from the March of Dimes Greater NY Market. The grant will go toward supporting the Birth Justice Warriors Project, an initiative that focuses on improving the health of black mothers and their babies.
The concept of the Birth Justice Warriors, an initiative co-chaired by the Guidance Center’s Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust and Hofstra University’s Dr. Martine Hackett, was born out of the crippling bias and injustice faced by black and brown mothers in the United States in general and in Nassau County in particular. According to the New York State Department of Health, a black woman is up to four times more likely to die in childbirth than a white mother. In Nassau County, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births is 9.4 for black babies versus the 2.2 reported for white non-Hispanic babies.
The three communities at highest risk are (in order) Roosevelt, Hempstead and Westbury/New Cassel.
“I think most people are surprised—I certainly was—when they find out that an affluent suburb like Nassau County has such high infant and maternal mortality rates in certain areas for black mothers and babies, higher than it is in New York City,” says Dr. Hackett. “Lack of awareness means that these poor health outcomes are basically invisible, and if you can’t see these problems, then you can’t act on them. Birth Justice Warriors will use local residents to increase the understanding of the causes of infant and maternal mortality and what we can do about it.”
“Our goal is to bring education and awareness to this issue of inequality, which has a multitude of contributing factors,” says Dr. Taylor-Walthrust, Director of the Leeds Place, a Guidance Center site. “We’re going to educate people at all levels, from women in the community to pediatricians, nurses, health care professionals, elected officials and those in faith-based institutions. Ultimately we want legislation to be written that guarantees that this crucial information is delivered to all women of child-bearing age.”
Action is also being taken on the state level. On April 23, 2018, Governor Cuomo announced an initiative to target maternal mortality and reduce racial disparities in health outcome. The initiative includes efforts to review and better address maternal death and morbidity with a focus on racial disparities, expanding community outreach, and taking new actions to increase access to prenatal and perinatal care.
To find out more about the Birth Justice Warriors, contact Dr. Walthrust-Taylor at (516) 997-2926, ext. 229, or email NTaylorWalthrust@northshorechildguidance.org.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 13, 2018 | Blog
With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, it’s a good time to look at the important role fathers play in the lives of their children.
In our culture, as in most, we tend to focus on the mother-child bond as primary, but fathers play just as important a role in the emotional well-being of their offspring. Sociologist Dr. David Popenoe, one of the pioneers in the field of research into fathers and fatherhood, says, “Fathers are far more than just ‘second adults’ in the home. Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring.”
One of the most important ways a father can help is to have a positive relationship with his children’s mother. A study from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services titled The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children stated, “A father who has a good relationship with the mother of their children is more likely to be involved and to spend time with their children and to have children who are psychologically and emotionally healthier.
“Similarly, a mother who feels affirmed by her children’s father and who enjoys the benefits of a happy relationship is more likely to be a better mother. Indeed, the quality of the relationship affects the parenting behavior of both parents. They are more responsive, affectionate, and confident with their infants; more self-controlled in dealing with defiant toddlers; and better confidants for teenagers seeking advice and emotional support.”
From The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children, here are some other ways that the father-child bond is so important:
- A father’s behavior serves as a role model for boys on the way women should be treated. When they act respectfully and affectionately with the mother of their children, boys learn to mirror that behavior in their relationships with females.
- Similarly, girls with fathers who are respectful and loving to their wives and other women in their lives are less likely to get involved in harmful relationships with men in the future.
- Children with fathers who interact and play with them end up having higher IQs and being more successful in their academic endeavors.
- Children with involved fathers tend to be emotionally secure, confident and socially connected with their peers. They’re also are less likely to get in trouble at home or in school.
- In general, fathers promote independence. While mothers stress nurturing, fathers focus on achievement, both of which are important to a child’s healthy development.
So, on this Father’s Day, let’s hear it for the all the dads who actively nurture healthy and happy relationships with their children!
Sources:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/fatherhood.pdf
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 6, 2018 | Blog
June 1st marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Although it’s been nearly six years since Hurricane Sandy devastated many coastal areas of Long Island, the possibility is very real that we could face another similar crisis. Being prepared is essential—not only with enough batteries and food supplies, but also with the wisdom of how to help young people deal with the fear and trauma they may experience after a storm.
Following is advice from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff on how to soothe your children in the face of a disaster, and also some tips on how to prepare a disaster kit from the National Hurricane Center.
Helping Children in the Aftermath of a Disaster
Provide protection, support, and safety. Children and youths need safe places to go, with worthwhile things to do and opportunities for belonging. And they need relationships with competent adults that understand and care about them. Living through a disaster can contribute to a pervasive sense of fearfulness, hyper- vigilance and despair. Do all you can to ensure a basic level of physical and emotional safety that helps to cultivate a sense of trust. Safe havens in school and the community are prerequisites for helping kids through this disaster.
Help to re-establish connections and rebuild a sense of community. The trauma of living through a disaster leads to demoralization, disorientation and loss of connection. Hurricanes and other disasters can leave individuals feeling unprotected and on their own. Connecting with others addresses the primary need of survivors to affiliate and can promote mutual support, reduce isolation, and normalize young (and older) peoples’ responses and reactions to what feels like a surreal situation. Don’t go it alone.
Offer opportunities for action that represents triumph over the demoralization of helplessness and despair. “Talking about the trauma is rarely if ever enough,” advises noted trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk. Children and teens can be encouraged to write poetry, create artwork, engage in social action, volunteer to help other victims or any of the multitudes of creative solutions that individuals can find to confront even the most distressing troubles. Creatively engage your children to give them some control over what feels like and out-of-control situation.
Actively endure. Louis Lowy was a World War II concentration-camp survivor. Although he rarely talked about his wartime experiences, his later career as a social work educator was infused with the time he was leader of the Deggendorf Displaced Persons Center. Lowy taught “active endurance,” which he described as “not merely enduring passively, but also learning to endure actively…substituting hope for despair, persevering rather than giving up, persisting rather than surrendering in the face of difficult odds, and helping to sustain ourselves [and those that we care about] through mutual support.” Parents can set this example for their children.
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)
Simple Storms
It’s important to note that young children might be afraid of simple thunderstorms. If you have a child who fears the rumble of thunder and climbs into bed, let them know they are safe inside your home; encourage them to self-soothe with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket; and let them express their fears to you. Don’t minimize their concerns by telling them they’re silly, but do explain that they are safe.
Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 30, 2018 | In The Media
The ladies deciding what raffles to bid on!
On Tuesday, May 15th, the Welcoming Club of Garden City hosted their Spring Soirée at the Garden City Hotel, with all proceeds going to benefit North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the premiere not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island.
The event featured fabulous boutique shopping, getting-to-know-you games, a Garden City trivia contest, great raffle prizes and a delicious buffet.
“Tuesday was a fun and fabulous night that allowed the ladies of the Welcoming Club of Garden City to come together with old friends and mix and mingle to meet new ones in a chic and festive atmosphere,” says Meg Dockery- Cremins, President of the Welcoming Club. “The Spring Soirée was the culmination of a year’s worth of family, couples and ladies events to benefit North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. The wonderful vendors along with our generous community sponsors provided fabulous prizes which will allow us to make a generous donation to The Guidance Center, which we view as a critically important organization in the community.”
“We are so grateful to the members of the Welcoming Club of Garden City for making us the beneficiary of their events for September 2017 through June 2018,” says Lauren McGowan, Director of Development for North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. “The funds that they raise will go directly to our core mission of helping Long Island children and their families who are in need of mental health or substance use care. We could not do our work without generous donations from community minded organizations like the Welcoming Club.”
The Welcoming Club of Garden City is a well-established women’s organization of over 650 members that focuses on welcoming new members to our community while promoting charitable and humanitarian projects. The Club offers many social activities/events for couples, children, families and nights out for the ladies. Some of the events they offer include: running/walking, tennis, golf, bowling, gourmet club, book club, bunko, toddler playgroups, family events, ladies nights, social events, = and movie night. To learn more, visit www.thegardencitywelcomingclub.org.
