Mitigating Tragedy

Once again, the nation is shocked dealing with the absurdity of a mass shooting rampage in Aurora, Colorado. The senseless nature of the act is mind boggling. At some level, we have become disabled by the shear magnitude of such violence. How can such a bright, capable graduate student defy all typical expectations associated with someone like him to become the perpetrator of the worst mass shoot in our history?

On one of the recent news programs, a former FBI profiler questioned whether an insanity plea could be argued in defense of the shooter because he was so rational and intentional in executing his plan for mass destruction and chaos. As I sat there listening to the commentary, I was struck with the reality that reason sometimes has nothing to do with sanity.

For those of us involved in the mental health field for many years, the profile of this young man is not unusual. The fact of the matter is that most folks who have any sort of chronic mental illness often begin to display it as they approach adulthood. Sullen, withdrawn behavior that may have been excused as a phase of adolescents can indeed be an indicator of mental illness and often comes as a surprise to those closest to the individual. I don’t know the details surrounding the shooter’s life to analyze his mental health state, but it certainly seems to me that it is a factor in understanding how such an otherwise nondescript graduate student could achieve such infamy.

I do not offer these observations in any way to excuse the violence or to suggest leniency, but rather to raise the question that seems to be missing in the discussion. What is the mental state of this young man? How does it influence our understanding of this tragedy? How can we prevent a recurrence?

As we move from shock to understanding and hopefully resolve to avoid repetition of this kind of situation, I suggest that we adopt a greater vigilance when it comes to the mental health of our young people. There is no need to become paranoid, but rather attentive to be a true resource that supports the well-being of our youth. A mental health diagnosis continues to bring with it tremendous stigma. Incredibly, in some sectors, it is almost taboo to consider a mental health disorder. Like a physical illness, mental health requires attention to be preventative and offer successful treatment.

Lost in the debate is perhaps the most reasonable solution. Screening for mental illness should be as routine as an annual physical, not by way of exception. Physicians, educators, families need to recognize the signs of a mental health disorder and feel free to seek treatment. Resources needed for treatment are required and may just be the best investment in riding the nation of this kind of heartbreak.

Hillsides Education Center Begins Accreditation Process

School is out for the summer. Tuesday was the last day of classes for students enrolled in our summer school program at Hillsides Education Center. You could feel the relief of both students and staff as they look forward to a less structured remainder of the summer. Teachers are able to take some time off and get reinvigorated for the school year start at the end of August. Students are anticipating more leisurely mornings and various recreational activities both on and off campus that will allow them a break from school work while keeping them never-the-less engaged and ready for the new school year.

HEC is such an extraordinary school, not just because of the array of services it offers students, the high instructor to student ratio, the individualized approach it provides or excellent facilities. More than anything else, HEC provides an approach that regards each student as capable of success and a universally dedicated staff committed to academic achievement for all its students. Just the other day, touring the school with a local school psychologist, he noted that the environment we are able to maintain within the school is marketedly different from other similar schools. We are convinced that our approach and commitment is what helps HEC stand out and be a school of choice for many parents and referring school districts.

As part of an on-going effort throughout all our programs to achieve national accreditation, HEC embarked this year in preparing to be accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges, WASC, the premier accrediting body for schools.

The challenges are great since HEC does not present as a typical school, but in spite of this, preparations were made and a group of reviewers spent a few days here recently to determine HEC’s appropriateness as a candidate for WASC accreditation. Last week we received word that HEC had successfully completed this first phase in the process and is officially designated as a candidate for WASC accreditation. This is the next step in a three-year process that hopefully will culminate in accreditation.

This is such a wonderful validation of the great work provided by HEC and certainly an opportunity for us to congratulate Jay Bechtol, HEC director, and all the staff for their fine work.

As you know the public education system in California is woefully underfunded; it is a struggle for our referring school districts to meet the cost of tuition. But the sacrifice is worth it, for the success that our students enjoy today places them on the path of even greater opportunities.

Join us in congratulating HEC for achieving this level of recognition by WASC and help us by your generous support to maintain this important service that we offer to Hillsides residents and community students alike. 

What's in a Budget?

As many of you know, Hillsides has a fiscal year that starts on October 1. As a result, the summer months are busy with budget preparations in order to have a proposed budget presented to Hillsides Board of Directors in early September. In spite of the financial woes in California, we anticipate the same level of public funding we received this past year. Given some of those funds are inadequate to meet our needs and staff costs and other expenses continue to rise, preparing a budget during these months can make for a long, hot summer in more ways than one.

In the midst of the preliminary budget drafts, setting priorities, examining efficiencies and making difficult decisions, I usually take a break from the budget exercise to walk the campus to remind myself why we make this effort. Inevitably, I come back energized and committed to somehow stretching the dollars to allow us to continue to serve some of the most vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles County.

One evening after a Finance Committee meeting as I was leaving the meeting room, one of our clinicians was waiting with a resident and her family to use the room for a counseling session. I know the challenges of this young girl, who one day recently was so despondent that she could barely contain herself in any one place and wandered restlessly around the campus with staff in tow walking off her anxiety. As they entered the room, I asked her how she was doing and had the opportunity to meet her parents and speak with them about her treatment. As always, they spoke of how appreciative they are for all we do for them and how in spite of some setbacks, were pleased with her progress and hopeful about her return home at some point.

It is not easy to provide such intensive treatment; it is expensive to have a child accompanied all day with a staff member. Reaching out to parents and providing them with counsel and support is essential. These efforts may be expensive and certainly are labor intensive, but the end result is all worthwhile. Though this young girl will continue in our care for the immediate future, she and her family are able to see a path that will lead her home with hope for a good life together.

Is it worth the effort? Absolutely. Is it worth the sacrifice? No question about it. And so in spite of the short fall in public funding, our efforts to successfully raise $2.5 million each year to augment our public funding sources is essential if we hope to continue to help these vulnerable children, youth and their families find their way to a fuller life.

As we have in the past, we build into our budget the continued capacity to raise  private dollars to maintain our mission. Please consider supporting this effort by contributing to our annual fund. Know that your generous support makes a big difference in the lives of all we serve. Thank you!