Welcome to Relief Resources information on recent news and events. Relief is committed towards working to help improve mental health care issues in the Jewish community. The articles below are just a brief view of recent happenings.
LIST OF ANNOUNCEMENTS:
June 2008
An Educational
Evening for Hatzalah
May 2008
An Educational
Evening Discussing the Postpartum Adjustment Period
May 2008
Parenting our
Children, Foundations for Successl
March 2008
An Educational
Seminar for Rabbonim
July 2007
An evening of
Postpartum Awareness
July 2007
A Discussion of
Pharmecutical Access Program
June 2007
Relief Cultural
Conference
May 2007
Seminar Addresses
Caregivers of the Elderly
March 2007
Educational Seminar
on Reproductive Psychiatry
November 2006
Educational Seminar
held for Menahalim and Mashgichim, Brooklyn, NY
September 2006
Relief Opens a
Canada office, Toronto Canada
March 2006
Parent Education
and Support Groups
Feb 2006
Educational Seminar
held for Principals and Teachers, Lakewood, NJ
May 2005
Educational
Seminar held for local Principals and Teachers
August 2004
Relief Opens Branch
in Israel: Misgav
August 2004
Relief meetings with
doctors at NYU Child Study Center
June 2004
Relief helps pass
Eating Disorder Bill
April 2004
Relief Lectures
at NY Cornell Hospital
November 2003
Relief opens the
Eating Disorder Direct Line
June 2003
Relief holds seminars
for Kallah teachers and Mikveh attendants
June 2008
Psychiatric Emergencies: A Hatzalah Member’s Perspective
On Thursday evening June 19, 2008 Relief Resources hosted an informative training session for Williamsburg Hatzalah Members focusing on psychiatric emergencies. Eighty Hatzalah members gathered to learn about warning signs, symptoms and response interventions to psychiatric emergencies.
Mr. Yom Tov Malik, Hatzlala Coordinator began the program with warm words of encouragement to the attendees for their ongoing commitment to the community followed by Rabbi Sendy Ornstein, President of Relief who briefed the participants of the vital work of Relief Resources. Rabbi Ornstein also discussed Relief’s emergency services division which is available 24 hours a day to assist those in need of urgent psychiatric care.
The presentation was delivered by Dr. Alfredo Nudman, Assistant professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and inpatient unit chief at Payne Whitney Manhattan then addressed the crowd. He gave an extensive overview of various mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, and suicide. He explained how to recognize symptoms and detailed the role of a first responder in treating the patient. He concluded by stressing the importance of educating first responders and the community at large to ensure a positive outcome for patients.
Due to the popularity of the session, Relief has
scheduled further sessions with a select group of Hatzalah members for
more in depth training.
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May 2008
On Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Relief Resources and Yad Rachel hosted and evening of inspiration and information titled “The Joy in Challenge, the Challenge of Joy”. Over 200 women attended the lecture and were treating to a moving, uplifting and practical discussion on coping with, and appreciating life’s challenges.
The evening began with an inspirational talk from Rebbetzin Rochel Lubin. She spoke about the importance of using life’s challenges as a tool to become closer to Hashem and maintaining a joy throughout. She also stressed the importance of a mother’s role in the home and how children pick up messages from what they see. Her powerful remarks left the audience spellbound and gave everyone newer heights to aspire for.
Mrs. Toby Tabak of Yad Rachel briefed the crowd on the multiple services they provides. Yad Rachel has mentoring services, support and education, referrals, and psychiatric nurse practitioner on staff available to see women for a minimal fee. In addition they provide in home services such as caregivers, meal preparation and laundry services.
Rabbi Binyomin Babad, Director of Relief Resources, made the audience aware of the services Relief is providing. With a database of over 2500 mental health professionals, Relief works to partner those is need with the most appropriate care available. In addition Relief follows up closely with patients to ensure that they are receiving the most optimal care.
Dr. Catherine Birndorf, MD, (Assistant
Professor of Psychiatry, and OB/GNY Director, Payne Whitney Women’s
Program New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medican Center) and
a member of Relief’s medical advisory board, spoke about the postpartum
adjustment period and how to differentiate between normal adjustment and
what is considered out of the ordinary. She elaborated on various mental
health disorders, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD and psychosis.
She suggested to the audience to appreciate the beauty and joy of a new
baby and to prepare properly for the challenges that come along with it.
The Q and A session that followed continued long after the program had
ended. People who stayed around to speak to Dr. Birndorf greatly appreciated
her warm and hopeful message.
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May 2008
Sunday evening, May 18th, Relief Resources hosted an important educational event at Ateres Chynka Hall titled “Parenting Our Children, Foundations for Success”. The program featured a comprehensive parenting seminar, whose theme focused intently upon the complex dynamics of the parent/child relationship.
First to address the audience was Mrs. Yael Kaisman, a proficient and beloved teacher with more than thirty years experience in the field. Mrs. Kaisman concentrated on three vital components in the nurturing and development of children.
Part one centered on the need to identify a child's internal successes, versus the external achievements that are outwardly exhibited and noted by others. While every individual has exclusive qualities that make them seem fulfilled, as parents, we need to foster and hone a child's internal accomplishments - maximizing his/her singular talents, to attain an inner sense of satisfaction and gratification.
Part two stressed the importance of accepting our children's differences. She underscored the need to understand and acknowledge that children have varying characteristics and tendencies, which comprise their uniqueness and individuality. In part three of her presentation she taught parents to recognize that which we are, and which we are not, in control of with regard to our children. Parents must accept that there are nuances in every child's behavior which cannot be changed. Knowing what is beyond a parent's control, said Mrs. Kaisman, can help that parent better succeed at the trials, triumphs and tribulations of childrearing.
Next to enlighten the listeners was Dr. David Pelcovitz, PhD., Professor of Education and Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. He spoke about the different temperaments, personalities, and challenging demeanors that children are inherently born with, which are normal and healthy. He contrasted ordinary childlike behaviors, with actions that signal the need for professional intervention. Dr. Pelcovitz also encouraged parents to spend time with their children, emphasizing that warmth and parental involvement can procure tremendous reward. Through shared moments with one's son or daughter, a parent can keenly discern and detect any problems that child may have.
The audience gleaned a wealth of knowledge during
Sunday night's session, and enjoyed the event immensely. Parents left
the seminar fortified with a deeper understanding of their fundamental
roles in the lives of children, and a wider range of resources to meet
the myriad challenges of parenthood.
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Mar 2008
On Tuesday morning, March 11th, Relief Resources welcomed 40 distinguished Rabbonim to an important Mental Health seminar held at Paradise Manor. The topic of the session was "An Overview of Mental Health," and it provided an in-depth look at the signs and symptoms of various disorders, as well as the stigma often associated with mental health treatment and medication. The need for community leaders to recognize and respond to these indicators was discussed in depth.
The seminar commenced with an addressed by R’ Binyomin Landau who explained that mental illness is like any other medical condition, and needs to be tended to as such by qualified professionals. He stressed the importance of distinguishing the differences between ‘normal yet problematic’ behaviors including occasional worry or sadness, as opposed to the high levels of distress and depression signifying mental disorder. Rabbi Landau pointed out that many patients unfortunately choose to forego necessary treatment or medication, for fear of being labeled by the general public as having a 'problem.' He reasoned that without the proper care, a patient will indeed have not only a label, but a serious problem. The need for removing the stigma linked to mental disorders in our communities was strongly emphasized. Rabbi Landau further maintained that the Rabbonim should be aware of signs of mental disorders specifically in areas such as OCD. Since Rabbonim come into contact with many people and are drawn into the lives of community residents, they should be aware of common symptoms thus encouraging those suffering to seek proper treatment.
A comprehensive presentation was then given by Dr. Glenn S. Hirsch, MD, medical director at the NYU Child Study Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Hirsch serves on Relief’s medical advisory board and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Talks centered on common mental disorders such as anxiety, OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Hirsch explained the indicators to look out for, as well as relevant remedial options. The necessity for early intervention was convincingly underscored. With so many viable treatment opportunities available to society today, Dr. Hirsch asked all Rabbonim to actively encourage people to get help. He accentuated the dangers of leaving mental health disorders untended, versus the vast potential benefits of treatment.
The response from those Rabbonim in attendance was overwhelmingly positive. They all gleaned very pertinent information which will surely be a benefit to their congregations.
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July 2007
On Tuesday evening, July 10, 2007, Relief Resources joined together with Yad Rachel to provide the Lakewood community with an informative evening on Postpartum Depression Screening And Education. The event was held at Circa – NY, an upscale restaurant in Lakewood NJ and was attended by close to 100 people. The guests included OB/GYNs, pediatricians, nurses, mental health professionals, labor coaches, and lactation consultants as well as other disciplines working with women of childbearing age.
The evening began with opening remarks from Rabbi Benjamin Babad, Director of Relief Resources where he explained the services that Relief offers and how we can partner to work with members of the community in an efficient manner.
The keynote address was presented by Laura Kelley, PhD, APRN, DC , an advanced practice nurse and assistance professor of nursing at Monmouth University. She discussed the signs and symptoms of postpartum disorders and explained the importance of early intervention as a key factor in successful recovery. She stressed the importance of treating these disorders and the major impact that a suffering mother can have on the entire family. She also addressed the New Jersey PPD legislation and distributed effective screening tools. The close of the evening was Mrs. Suri Smith, coordinator at Yad Rachel who addressed the services they provide to mothers during the postpartum period.
The participants walked away greatly informed. “I
was always unsure where to refer my patients suffering from postpartum
disorders”, said one of the local ob/gyn’s “now I know
there are services readily available for them”.
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July 2007
On Thursday, July 19, Relief Resources hosted an informative luncheon entitled: Helping your Consumers get the Pharmaceutical products they need: A Discussion of Pharmaceutical Access Programs. The audience included representatives from local mental health clinics, Bikur Cholim’s and various non-profit organizations serving Brooklyn and surrounding areas.
Addressing the crowd were two representatives from
Pfizer Helpful Answers, and Together Rx Access who described to the attendees
various program available to assist patients without proper insurance
coverage, to obtain medications at a lower fee or free of charge. In New
York, there are almost 2.4 million uninsured and more than 700 thousand
of New York State’s uninsured reside in Brooklyn. “Relief
has provided a tremendous service in making the gatekeepers of the community
aware of these terrific programs” said the director of one of the
Local Bikur Cholim’s “and for that we are grateful”.
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June 2007
Monday evening, June 18th, a significant event took place at the elegant La Carne Grill in Manhattan. Sixty five of the country's leading psychiatrists and psychologists assembled to learn about Jewish culture and the role it plays in the effective treatment of mental disorders in the Orthodox community.
Dr. Jack Gorman, M.D., one of the most prominent psychiatrists in the U.S. today, officiated and addressed the crowd. He stressed the importance of mental health professionals being culturally sensitive and aware of their patient’s religious needs. Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Ph.D., executive vice president of the Orthodox Union gave the keynote address. Topics such as the Jewish view on dating and marriage, the significance of children in the religious lifestyle, and the distinct, individual roles of men and women in Jewish life were all addressed. He also discussed religious observances and their relevance to psychiatric issues such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Postpartum Depression and Eating Disorders.
The response from those doctors in attendance was
overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Jack Hirschowitz, M.D., Director of Residency
Training at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine was most impressed by the
depth of insight he acquired during the seminar. "Without question,
I will profoundly benefit from this evening, in my practice. I'm sure
I speak for my colleagues as well." They all gleaned some very pertinent
information, which may well alter their approach to treatment of religious
clients from here on. Some of the mental health professionals who participated
have only a few Jewish patients, while others tend to hundreds of Orthodox
recipients on a regular basis. By educating and familiarizing them with
the culture, we hope that those suffering can now optimally benefit from
their care.
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May 2007
On May 14, at the Avenue Plaza hotel, Relief Resources hosted a geriatric seminar for a collective gathering to discuss mental changes in the elderly. Participants included nursing home administrators, social workers, patient representatives as well as aides and caregivers from local homes and neighborhood rehabilitation centers.
Dr. Martin Drooker, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and an outstanding geriatric psychiatrist addressed the audience. He focused upon a number of mental health issues that affect the aging and aged in our society. The natural progression of mental health, along with such concerns as sleep disorders and Alzheimer's disease, were topics of which the symposium was comprised. Dr. Drooker particularly focused on the subjects of dementia and depression, stressing their various similarities and differences to ascertain correct diagnoses and treatments.
The United States Surgeon General reports that while
most older adults enjoy good mental health, nearly 20% of those 55 and
older experience mental disorders that are not part of the normal aging
process. While some increased anxiety and dependence, loss of memory,
and changes in cognitive functioning are naturally to be expected, serious
psychiatric illnesses need be detected, properly diagnosed, and correctly
addressed.
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March 2007
Relief Resources hosted an important seminar on Wednesday, March 21st, at the upscale restaurant Abigail’s on Broadway. The event was geared towards OB/GYN’s to help familiarize them with psychiatry and the women’s life cycle. In attendance were many of the community’s most well respected physicians.
Addressing the group was Dr. Catherine Birndorf, M.D., Director of the Payne Whitney Women's Program at NY Presbyterian Hospital. Talks centered around the topic of psychiatry, relevant to its impact on pregnancy and postpartum issues. Subjects included various mental health disorders prevalent during expectancy and after giving birth - along with the potential hazards of medication exposure. Also covered were matters associated with infertility, breastfeeding and menopause, as pertaining to psychiatric wellbeing.
Recent studies suggest that up to 20% of women suffer
from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy. Particularly vulnerable
are those women with histories of psychiatric illness who discontinue
psychotropic medications during pregnancy. Although data accumulated over
the last 30 years indicate that some pharmacological drugs may be used
safely during pregnancy, knowledge regarding the risks of prenatal exposure
remains, as yet, incomplete. Women frequently wrestle with decisions relating
to the use of these prescriptions. They are concerned about the known
and unknown effects of fetal drug exposure, versus their fears of becoming
ill if they suspend the usage of medicines which have been helpful. Our
forum provided a necessary means to discuss the most pertinent and applicable
methods used by clinicians, when dealing with these patients' particular
circumstances.
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November 2006
Educational Seminar held for Menahalim and Mashgichim, Brooklyn, NY
Relief Resources welcomed principals from a wide range of Jewish yeshivas in the Brooklyn area for an educational seminar. The title of the evening was ‘An Overview to Mental Health – A Mechanech’s Perspective’. Over 50 principals eagerly arrived to gain greater awareness on their role as educators, learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders, and become aware of options regarding early intervention.
The seminar was delivered by Glenn S. Hirsch, MD, medical director at the NYU Child Study Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Hirsch serves on Relief’s medical advisory board and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Hirsch’s comprehensive presentation covered the many facets of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, social phobias and OCD as well as information about depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide. He offered valuable insights that were particularly relevant to the yeshiva student.
Relief distributed educational brochures and pamphlets, which rapidly dwindled as the participants arrived. Throughout the seminar, they could be seen writing notes enthusiastically in the presentation handbook provided by Relief.
“As principals dealing with thousands of children
this information is vital to us” said, one of the principals, “We
are grateful to Relief for allowing us the opportunity to interface with
one of the leading child psychiatrists in the region”.
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September 2006
At the request of community leaders in Toronto, Relief Resources opened a new office in Toronto, Canada. “Relief offers much needed services that have been beyond the reach of our community until now”, says Rabbi Motti Rapoport, Director of Relief Canada.
In May 2006, Rabbi Sendy Ornstein and Rabbi Benjamin Babad, the directors of Relief visited Toronto to plan the implementation of this vital new project. They met with the community leaders as well as numerous mental health professionals to begin to lay the groundwork. Relief Canada is generally modeled after its US counterpart, however, the Canadian health systems generates new challenges that need to be addressed.
To date, Relief has established three centers –
those in the U.S. and Canada as well as one in Israel. To quote one beneficiary
of the new project, “Relief’s impact on the public can already
be felt”.
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March 2006
Parent Education and Support Groups
Parenting is a challenging task, but parenting the ADHD child can be daunting. To provide children with the most optimum care, parent training is a core part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition, the need to share and collaborate with parents who are experiencing similar challenges is great.
Given the extreme need for privacy, support groups in the Jewish religious community are few and far between. To greater service the needs of the community, Relief Resources formed a parent education and support group for mothers of children with ADHD. A select group of mothers meet weekly to learn, grow, and to share their valuable experiences. The sessions are lead by Lori Evans, PhD., a clinical psychologist at The NYU Child Study Center.
To quote our satisfied mothers, “This is the first time I can finally discuss my daughter’s issue in a setting that I feel so understood”.
February 2006
Educational Seminar held for Principals
and Teachers, Lakewood, NJ
Relief Resources welcomed principals and teachers from a variety of local Jewish schools in the Lakewood, New Jersey area for an educational seminar. The title of the evening was ‘An Overview to Mental Health – A Teacher’s Perspective’. Over 150 educators eagerly arrived to gain greater awareness on their role as teachers and learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders, and become aware of options regarding early intervention. The seminar generated great interest in the school community and many educators traveled from as far as Deal and Highland Park to attend
The first part of the seminar was delivered by Rifka Twerski-Ganz, M.S.,
Pd., MFT, a seasoned therapist in private practice, who has extensive
experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Mrs. Twerski-Ganz’s
comprehensive presentation was on the many facets of anxiety disorders,
including panic attacks, social phobias, OCD. She also addressed Depression
and Bipolar Disorder. She offered valuable insight into various causes
and options for treatment.
Gila Zelinger, LCSW, then covered the complex details involved with Eating
Disorders. Gila Zelinger is currently in private practice and has extensive
experience in treating Eating Disorders. She discussed the criteria, the
signs and symptoms that characterize different eating disorders, plus
the origins, medical complications, and treatment options. The question/answer
session, which included practical strategies to use when one suspects
a student of having an eating disorder, was of particular interest to
the teachers in the crowd.
Relief distributed educational brochures and pamphlets, which rapidly
dwindled as the participants arrived. Throughout the seminar, they could
be seen writing notes enthusiastically in the presentation handbook provided
by Relief.
“Relief is really servicing the needs of our community” said,
one of the principals, “The seminar addressed issues which we so
desperately need to be more aware of”.
May 2005
Educational Seminar held for local Principals and Teachers
Relief Resources welcomed principals and teachers from a variety of local Jewish schools in the Brooklyn area for an educational seminar on Anxiety and Eating Disorders. Over 200 educators eagerly arrived to gain greater perspective on their role as teachers and learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these mental health issues, and become aware of options regarding early intervention. The seminar generated great interest in the school community and many educators traveled from as far as Rockland County to attend.
The first part of the seminar was delivered by Dr. Aviva Schechter, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in private practice, who has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Schechter’s comprehensive presentation was on the many facets of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, social phobias, OCD and more. She offered valuable insight into various causes and options for treatment.
Dr. Ilene Reeman, MD, then covered the complex details involved with Eating Disorders. Dr. Reeman, formerly the Assistant Unit Chief of the inpatient eating disorders unit at NY Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, and currently in private practice, has extensive experience in treating Eating Disorders. She discussed the criteria, the signs and symptoms which characterize different eating disorders, plus the origins, medical complications, treatment options, and more. The question/answer session, which included practical strategies to use when suspecting a student of having an eating disorder, was of particular interest to the teachers in the crowd.
Relief distributed educational brochures and pamphlets, which rapidly dwindled as the participants had arrived. Throughout the seminar they could be seen writing notes enthusiastically in the presentation handbook provided by Relief.
“Relief is really making a positive difference
in so many lives” Says, one of the principals, “This seminar
helps us recognize early on when a student is having trouble with anxiety
or eating issues”.
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August 2004
Misgav Opens its Doors in Israel
At the urgent request of many Rabbis and community leaders in Israel, Relief Resources recently expanded its scope of activities and opened a branch in Israel. The new branch, known as "Misgav", is a much needed extension. The American Relief office became flooded with calls from Israel requesting assistance in identifying appropriate mental health providers there. It became clear that Relief needed to establish a local referral center overseas.
The current situation in Israel has generated feelings of tension and anxiety among the general public. Almost everyone is acquainted firsthand with a terror victim or family member of a victim. The pervasive sense of being caught in a siege, coupled with the severe economic hardships that prevail as a result of the war, have unfortunately contributed to a significant rise in mental illness in Israel.
According to Rabbi Mordechai Pindrus, the Director of Misgav, the need for such services is great. "This is a worthy endeavor that is long overdue," he says emphatically. "The mental and emotional trauma experienced here in Israel is overwhelming and many have no idea where to first turn. That's why this particular service in Israel is so incredibly important".
In January 2004, Rabbi Sendy Ornstein and Rabbi
Benjamin Babad, the Directors of Relief's American office, visited Israel
to plan and coordinate the progress of this vital new project. They met
with prominent Torah leaders, including Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman, the
Gerrer Rebbe, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, the Belzer Rebbe, and Rabbi Yosef
Sholom Elyashiv, to gain their input and insight in establishing Misgav
as a compatible entity for the Israeli orthodox Jewish community. They
also met with leading Israeli psychiatrists and mental health professionals,
to help lay the groundwork for Misgav to be a success.
Many long hours of planning, consideration, research and training were
spent on its development, to ensure Misgav be as successful as its American
parent organization in helping bring relief to those in distress.
Misgav is modeled largely after its American prototype,
offering referral services, information services and more. The translation
of Relief's English language informational pamphlets into Hebrew is currently
underway.
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August 2004
Relief Members Meet With NYU Doctors
A delegation of team members from Relief Resources recently met with doctors at the NYU Child Study Center. The NYU Child Study Center is renowned for its broad range of comprehensive testing and the psychiatric care it provides to children and adolescents with learning, behavioral and emotional disorders.
Relief's team initiated the meeting to gain firsthand knowledge of the comprehensive services available at the Center, as well as to establish a good quality rapport with the medical experts on staff. Relief constantly searches for new top-notch skilled professionals to add to our ever-expanding network of mental health providers. Even after receiving the necessary degree of professional recommendation, it is vital that Relief ascertain the compatibility of a provider in terms of sensitivity to the community's needs and general bedside manner. Relief also assesses their basic character styles and attitudes, which is essential in making the best individual match-up for various patients needs. The meeting at NYU gave Relief the opportunity to interact with the Center's medical staff, and to get acquainted with many of their experienced providers. The meeting was also a venue to impart to the NYU team a greater understanding of the cultural and religious issues that impact the treatment of their religiously observant patients.
A special note of thanks is due to Dr. Glenn Hirsch,
Medical Director of the NYU Child Study Center, and Division of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry at the NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital
Center, and a member of Relief Resources Medical Advisory Board, who helped
facilitate this crucial meeting. The excellent working relationship that
resulted from the meeting will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in aiding
the patients at Relief, and the Jewish community, in future endeavors.
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June 2004
Relief Helps Pass Landmark Eating Disorder Legislation
The New York State Senate passed a landmark legislation representing a major breakthrough for people suffering from eating disorders. The legislation provides for the establishment of comprehensive care centers to provide an individualized, comprehensive and integrated plan of care for those suffering from eating disorders. Relief Resources was a strong influence and played an instrumental role in advocating the passing of this vital bill.
Allocation of grants to develop state recognized Eating Disorder Centers is just one component of the bill. Perhaps more important is the mandate it presents to insurance companies. Until now, carriers were not legally obligated to provide coverage for the treatment of eating disorders whether inpatient, outpatient, or otherwise. Companies would randomly choose the extent of their coverage at their own discretion. According to the new law, insurers must cover treatment provided by state recognized centers. According to lawmakers, the new law will ultimately lower health care costs by facilitating more cost effective local treatment of eating disorders.
Beyond the tangible benefits this bill provides, it is also significant as the first major legislation that acknowledges the validity of the current crisis in anorexia nervosa and related disorders. “This is very exciting to hear that the senate is moving forward with this legislation, because this has been a problem across the country for many years,” says Robert Greenbaum PhD, CEO of Four Winds Hospital in Saratoga, NY.
To qualify for State recognized status, the centers
must provide comprehensive treatment, including health and psychosocial
care, residential treatment, case management and community education.
It is generally acknowledged that a strong collaborative care team is
necessary to effectively treat eating disorders. According to Dr. Sharon
Alger-Mayer of the Albany Medical Center Clinical Nutrition Program, “that’s
exactly what this legislation does. A safe, supportive environment, along
with a skilled health care team, encourages trust and the confidence necessary
for the patient to make the changes necessary for recovery and healing.”
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April 2004
Relief Lectures at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
At the request of faculty members at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Rabbi Benjamin Babad, Director of Relief Resources, has become a regular lecturer at the medical school. He addressed the graduating class of psychiatrists, as well as attending psychiatrists, who have a special interest in women's issues - an area commonly known as Reproductive Psychiatry. Reproductive Psychiatry focuses on the mental health challenges women face during pregnancy, lactation, post partum and menopausal stages.
The purpose of Rabbi Babad's lecture was to familiarize professionals with the unique cultural and halachic aspects of orthodox women. Treatment of mental health issues can be enhanced and reach a greater level of success when the provider understands the broader context of a patients life. Understanding orthodox women and Jewish culture is therefore very important in effective treatment, he explained. Issues such as general modesty, laws of family purity and orthodox family life, amongst others were discussed to bring greater insight and heightened sensitivity regarding Jewish women and the Jewish concept of femininity. In addition, the different manifestations of mental disorders that are unique to this population group were discussed. An example of which is OCD, where symptoms are often overlooked because warning signs are misunderstood and mistakenly thought to fall within the purview of strict religious observance.
The program is run by Dr. Catherine Birndorf and Dr. Margaret Altemus, who head the Women's Health Center at Cornell. Due to the success of the initial lecture, Weill Cornell has integrated this as a regular feature for the graduate class of psychiatrists.
There is much benefit to be gained from the program.
"The chance to offer this lecture is a wonderful opportunity for
us at Relief," said Rabbi Babad. "It is especially crucial that
the up and coming practitioners in this evolving field be aware of the
variables that will greatly affect their treatment of observant women"
he explains. "These promising young psychiatrists are of great interest,
since interactions with the students during and after the lecture present
the opportunity to network and build a good rapport for any future relationship."
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November 2003
Relief Inaugurates Eating Disorder Helpline
Relief Resources recently inaugurated the creation of the Eating Disorder Helpline, marking an important addition to the mental health services offered. The Helpline allows people suffering from eating disorders and their family members, to speak confidentially by phone with professional counselors directly. Callers are able to seek much needed advice on issues, such as how to encourage one to seek counseling when they refuse help.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health, Eating Disorders, and anorexia nervosa in particular, represent a rapidly growing problem primarily among women, in the United States. One in 200 women in the US suffers from Anorexia, with a frighteningly high mortality rate among those aged 15 to 24. The National Mental Health Illness Screening Project notes that while Americans spend over $40 billion annually on diets and diet related products, 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance. One in eight high school age females has used vomiting as a diet aid.
Although the Orthodox Jewish community is sheltered in many ways, it seems that the crisis in secular culture has invariably affected the religious community as well, and there have been a growing number of eating disorder cases within the Jewish community. One of the typical aggravating features of eating disorders is the tendency of the patient to deny their condition and reluctance in obtaining any help. The purpose of the helpline is to offer patients the opportunity to speak with a professional who can guide them towards necessary counseling and medical assistance. They provide strategies on how to encourage others to seek help, and information on therapists and programs offering a comprehensive regiment of treatment and therapy required to effectively deal with any eating disorder.
According to Lynn Grefe, CEO of the National Eating
Disorders Association, "this has been a hidden epidemic." She
refers to anorexia as a "lethal, yet treatable disease."
Relief Resources' Eating Disorder Helpline opens a window of hope to those
suffering from this condition, and provide the resources to return to
a normal healthy life.
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June 2003
Relief Conducts Kallah Teachers’ Seminar
As part of its program of community education and preventative measures, Relief conducted a seminar for kallah teachers and mikveh staff attendants. The seminar was specifically geared towards those whose occupation brings them in contact with women at a crucial transitional stage of their lives – namely, marriage. Although this is a time that is full of joyous anticipation, it is also a period that is fraught with anxiety and stress. There is much fear of the unknown involved, as well as a dramatic shift of social proprieties, and a whole new type of relationship.
Kallah instructors and mikveh attendants often play a role beyond the technical assistance their job descriptions imply. They often serve as confidants and sources of advice concerning delicate or intimate issues. As such, their position allows them to notice irregular or unhealthy behaviors, particularly those which are symptomatic of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These behaviors, destructive in any setting, can precipitate a crisis in a marriage unless addressed early on. The classes empowered the participants to identify warning signs, and elaborated on appropriate short-term and long-term measures in dealing with these situations.
The seminar was conducted by Dr. Aviva Biberfeld, PsyD, who has a private practice in Brooklyn, Dr. Alicia Hirsch PsyD, who is affiliated with Mt. Sinai Hospital, in addition to her private practice in Brooklyn. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the informative seminar, noting that they had often encountered young women who had appeared troubled, but did not know how to assist them or whom to contact.
The enthusiastic response to this initial seminar
suggests that there is a need for additional seminars to reach more people
who have the potential to avert a crisis. Relief stands ready to satisfy
this need with additional seminars.
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